Prevalence of psychosocial distress in cancer patients across 55 North American cancer centers

Abstract

Routine distress screening in United States oncology clinics has been mandatory since 2015.

Objective: This study was the first to assess distress in a geographically diverse sample of cancer patients following mandated distress screening implementation by oncology social workers.

Methods: Sites were self-selected via social workers who applied to participate in the Association of Oncology Social Work's Project to Assure Quality Cancer Care, advertised through their social media outlets and conference. Electronic screening records were collected from 55 cancer treatment centers in the United States and Canada. Cases required cancer diagnoses and Distress Thermometer (DT) scores to be included. Distress rates and rates by age, sex, cancer type, and ethnicity were examined.

Results: Of 4664 cases, 46% (2157) experienced significant distress (DT score ≥ 4). Being female, age 40-59, and having diagnoses of pancreatic or lung cancer was associated with increased likelihood of distress. Half of cases experience clinically-significant distress, though this need was not evenly distributed across patient or cancer types.

Conclusion: Identifying those at risk for distress may help inform optimal resource allocation. Methods to address needs of distressed patients in cases of limited resources are discussed.

Keywords: cancer; distress; oncology; psychosocial; screening.