Information needs in patients with potentially curable gastro-esophageal cancer.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Gastro-esophageal cancer patients' information needs remain understudied, despite their complex treatment trajectories. METHODS: This study examined the (i) information needs of patients with or without postoperative complications, (ii) information needs of male and female patients, and (iii) the association between information needs and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) following gastro-esophageal cancer surgery. Patients completed the EORTC-QLQ-INFO25, QLQ-C30, and QLQ-OG25 questionnaires before and after curative surgery. Five information-needs domains were investigated information about the disease, about treatments, about medical tests, about things patients can do to help themselves, and overall helpfulness. Additionally, HR-QoL domains global health status, eating restrictions, and anxiety were explored. RESULTS: 132 patients completed the questionnaires at baseline, 216 patients at 6-12 months, 184 patients at 18-24 months, and 163 patients at 3-5 years post-operation. There were no significant differences in information needs between patients with or without complications or between male and female patients. Patients with a higher global health status found the information more helpful at 6-12 months (p<0.001), 18-24 months (p<0.001), and 3-5 years (p<0.001) postoperatively, as did patients who experienced more anxiety at 18-24 months (p=0.009) and 3-5 years (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Gastro-esophageal cancer patients, regardless of sex or postoperative complications, have consistent information needs; yet, those with higher global health status and elevated anxiety levels find the information particularly helpful, emphasizing the importance of tailored communication strategies.