Pancreatic cancer: Patient and caregiver perceptions on diagnosis, psychological impact, and importance of support.
Pancreatology
; 15(6): 701-7, 2015.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26092655
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:
Pancreatic cancer (PC) can have an enormous psychological toll on those affected by it. This study evaluated patient and caregiver perceptions about diagnosis and daily life with PC.METHODS:
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) administered a 25-min online survey (funded by Celgene) between July 30 and September 18, 2013 to patients with PC and caregivers whose loved ones were alive or had died within the past 6 months.RESULTS:
There were 397 respondents (all in the US) including 184 patients (81 with metastatic disease) and 213 caregivers (145 with loved ones with metastatic disease); 80% of patients reported having a primary caregiver. Over 90% reported symptoms before diagnosis, the most common of which being acute abdominal pain, pain radiating into the back, and fatigue. Gastroenterologists were the diagnosing physician in 36.3% of cases. The mean duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was 2.4 months. The most common action taken by diagnosing physicians was referral to another physician (57.7%). No treatments were offered for 9% of patients with nonmetastatic disease and 17% of patients with metastatic disease. The most commonly reported caregiver roles were providing support on treatment days and talking to physicians. A greater percentage of caregivers than patients recognized the various roles played by caregivers. Patients aware of the PanCAN Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) program reported fewer negative emotions than PALS-unaware patients.CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides insights into the issues patients and caregivers in the US face and the importance of support services for both.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Neoplasias Pancreáticas
/
Apoio Social
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Família
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Cuidadores
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Assistência ao Paciente
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article