Using the NCCN survivor assessment questionnaire as a tool to tailor educational needs of cancer survivors.

Abstract

156 Background: Survivor care after cancer treatment includes assessment of fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction, cardiac toxicity, sexual function, and the patient’s habits related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management. Using a tool to evaluate these symptoms and lifestyle habits is needed to determine the educational needs of the cancer survivor for the survivor treatment summary visit. Methods: We have used the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Survivorship Assessment tool for the past 12 months to develop a survivor care plan. It is a pre-visit 25 question survey completed by the patient. The patient responses help focus education based on current symptoms and lifestyle habits. A total of 50 questionnaires were completed over the past year. Results: Of the 50 patients, 46 were women, 45 had breast cancer, 3 colorectal and 2 other. The average age was 56 years old, 70% were Hispanic, 86% received chemotherapy and there were 4 recurrences. The average time from finishing adjuvant therapy to the survivor treatment summary visit was 7 months. Fifty percent of patients were on adjuvant hormonal therapy (Aromatase Inhibitor or Tamoxifen). Persistent symptoms at the time of the survivor visit are detailed in the table below. Regarding nutrition and physical activity, 44% of survivors were obese with 44% who said they get regular physical activity. Of the 44% who get regular physical activity, it can be further broken down to 1-3 days a week (10%), 4-7 days a week (28%) and 46% of patients said they ate 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. Conclusions: At the time of the survivor treatment summary visit there are still residual side effects from treatment including cognitive dysfunction, pain, fatigue, trouble sleeping and problems with sexual function. The NCCN Survivor Assessment questionnaire is a good tool to determine persistent side effects from treatment and educational needs of cancer survivors.[Table: see text]