Associations between Cancer-Related Information Seeking and Receiving PET Imaging for Routine Cancer Surveillance—An Analysis of Longitudinal Survey Data

Abstract

Background Routine cancer surveillance with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is not recommended for most patients who have completed curative treatment for cancer. Yet, recent trends suggest that PET is increasingly utilized for follow-up among cancer patients. This study investigates whether information seeking behaviors predicted self-reported utilization of PET for routine surveillance in colorectal, breast and prostate cancer patients. Methods We conducted annual surveys for three years in a cohort of Pennsylvania cancer survivors diagnosed with colorectal, breast, or prostate cancer in 2005. The outcome was self-reported PET receipt for routine surveillance among 944 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic disease (Stages 0-III). Predictors included cancer-related information seeking from non-medical sources and providers. Weighted multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results In this population, 11% of patients reported receiving at least one PET scan for routine follow-up in a 12-month period several years after diagnosis. Seeking cancer-related information from non-medical sources was associated with higher odds of subsequent reported PET use (odds ratio 3.7, 95% CI=1.1,12.1; p=0.032), after adjusting for potential confounders. Patient engagement with physicians regarding cancer-related information was not a significant predictor. Conclusion Overall reported PET utilization for routine surveillance of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer is low. However, we found a significant association with information seeking from non-medical sources but not from providers. Impact Exposure to cancer-related information through mass media and lay interpersonal sources may be driving inappropriate utilization of high cost advanced imaging procedures. These findings have important implications for cancer survivors, healthcare providers, and health policy.

Finding useful cancer information may reduce cancer information overload for Internet users

“…Furthermore, this situation can prevent persons from learning and making reasoned decisions (Kim, Lustria, Burke, & Kwon, 2007). Information obtained from non-medical sources causes an increase in the use of advanced examinations, and besides the financial losses, it is also the cause of additional health risks (Tan et al, 2014). In order to cope with an excessive information load, strategies such as filtering and avoidance are recommended.…”

Clinical Value of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Response Evaluation after Primary Treatment of Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

“…18 F-FDG PET/CT is a widely used metabolic imaging modality in cancer patients in response. In clinical practice, although patients wish to be monitored with the most effective imaging method [20], the referring physicians have expressed concerns regarding the possible over interpretation of the findings [21]. In the current study, 34% of patients with a complete response after EOC first-line therapy according to traditional RECIST1.1/GCIC criteria showed increased metabolic activity in an etPET/CT.…”