Distress, problems and unmet rehabilitation needs after treatment for gynecological cancer
Open Access
- 29 December 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
- Vol. 101 (3), 313-322
- https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.14310
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of distress, problems and need for rehabilitation among women treated for gynecological cancer is largely unknown. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of distress, problems and unmet rehabilitation needs in the first years after treatment for gynecological cancer. Material and methods Women treated for gynecological cancer within the last 2 years were invited. Participants responded to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer and Problem List measuring distress and problems. They also answered a questionnaire regarding physical endurance, muscle strength, and need for rehabilitation services. Results Of 114 eligible women, 92 (81%) agreed to participate. Mean time since last treatment was 7.6 months (range 0–24.5 months). A total of 57% of the participants reported distress. The four most common problems reported were fatigue (58%), tingling in hands/feet (54%), worry (53%), and problems with memory/concentration (50%). Problems associated with distress were: dealing with partner, all emotional problems (i.e. depression, fears, nervousness, sadness, worry, and loss of interest in usual activities), appearance, memory/concentration, pain, sex, sleep, and problems with physical endurance and muscle strength. Fifty-two per cent reported unmet needs for rehabilitation services. Women with distress reported more unmet rehabilitation needs than those in the non-distressed group. Conclusions The prevalence of distress in this population of women treated for gynecological cancer was high. Having a high number of problems and having unmet needs for rehabilitation services were both associated with distress. Hence, measurement of distress seems to be helpful when assessing the need for rehabilitation services.Keywords
This publication has 24 references indexed in Scilit:
- Management of the late effects of treatments for gynecological cancerCurrent Opinion in Oncology, 2013
- Unmet needs and distress in people with inoperable lung cancer at the commencement of treatmentSupportive Care in Cancer, 2011
- Cancer patients’ needs for rehabilitation servicesActa Oncologica, 2011
- Learning about ovarian cancer at the time of diagnosis: Video versus usual careGynecologic Oncology, 2010
- Short‐ and long‐term morbidity after treatment for testicular cancerBJU International, 2009
- Distress in women with gynecologic cancerPsycho‐Oncology, 2009
- Long-term survivorship after cancer: how far have we come?Annals of Oncology, 2008
- Supportive care for women with gynecologic cancersExpert Review of Anticancer Therapy, 2008
- Distress and its correlates in Korean cancer patients: pilot use of the distress thermometer and the problem listPsycho‐Oncology, 2007
- Distress screening in a multidisciplinary lung cancer clinic: Prevalence and predictors of clinically significant distressLung Cancer, 2007