Symptom Trajectories in Posttreatment Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The posttreatment surveillance plan for cancer survivors should include a comprehensive assessment of psychological and physical symptoms. Persistence of symptoms can be expected in some patients, and supportive interventions should be tailored according to symptom reports.

Population-Level Trends in Posttreatment Cancer Survivors’ Concerns and Associated Receipt of Care: Results from the 2006 and 2010 LIVESTRONG Surveys

“…As seen in previous research (e.g., (Barbera, et al, 2010; Philip, Merluzzi, Zhang, & Heitzmann, 2012)), women reported a higher concern burden than men, and younger survivors reported more physical, emotional, and employment concerns (Bloom, Petersen, & Kang, 2007; Brant et al, 2011; Foster, Wright, Hill, Hopkinson, & Roffe, 2009; Mao et al, 2007; Meyerowitz, Kurita, & D'Orazio, 2008; Shi, et al, 2011; Smith, Crespi, Petersen, Zimmerman, & Ganz, 2010; B. J. Zebrack, Yi, Petersen, & Ganz, 2008).…”

Physical and Psychological Predictors of Quality of Life in Chinese Colorectal Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

“…8 In lung cancer, CRC, and lymphoma survivors, physical symptoms of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance combined with psychological symptoms of distress and depression have been reported to persist for up to 16 months after the initial chemotherapy treatment. 9 Furthermore, the self-efficacy of CRC patients after the onset of chemotherapy has been associated with declines in work ability and decision making, implying social and financial impairments for affected patients. 10 Thus, comprehensive assessment and treatment of both physical and psychological symptoms, especially in the early stages of the treatment, are necessary to avoid progressive worsening of depression.…”

Control of Pain and Dyspnea in Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Patients with Oncologic Disease in Acute Care

“…Survivors continue to experience significant limitations, compared to those without a history of cancer [4]. The presence of symptoms persists permanently, resulting from the direct adverse effects of cancer, treatment, exacerbation and/ or onset of new ones, associated with recurrence or second tumor [5,6].…”