Identifying subgroups of well‐being among patients with cancer: Differences in attitudes and preferences around surveillance after curative‐intent surgery

Abstract

Background Patient perceptions and preferences related to postoperative surveillance are not yet well defined. Methods A cross‐sectional analysis of the surveillance practice preferences and attitudes was undertaken based on subgroups derived from clustering participants for measures of well‐being, including financial toxicity, emotional, family/social, and functional well‐being. Results Among 212 participants, the average age was 58.1 years and most patients were female (57.1%) and white (90.2%). Common malignancies included melanoma/sarcoma (26.4%), thyroid (25.5%), breast (18.9%), gastrointestinal (18.4%), and lung (7.5%) cancer. Respondents within the highest well‐being subgroup rated their perception of communication as being the highest more consistently compared with the other well‐being subgroups (P = .005). Participants with the highest level of well‐being felt more reassured by follow‐up appointments (Subgroup 1, Med = 4.00, interquartile range (IQR) = 0.25 vs subgroup 4, Med = 3.75, IQR = 0.73, P = .023). In contrast, patients with the lowest sense of well‐being had the highest level of nervousness related to surveillance (subgroup 1, Med = 1.60, IQR = 1.00 vs subgroup 4, Med = 2.20, IQR = 1.15, P < .001). There were no differences in surveillance frequency preferences among different well‐being subgroups. Conclusion Attitudes towards postoperative surveillance varied with regard to perception of provider communication, nervous anticipation, and assuredness depending on overall patient well‐being. Providers should attempt to assess patient well‐being as part of a tailored approach to postcancer surgery surveillance.

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