Background (Story)

Cancer survivors face uncertainty about their future because of the possibility of cancer recurrence. A new dataset permits evaluation of uncertainty and emotional well-being among cancer survivors. Preliminary evidence suggests that such prognosic uncertainty might confer benefits because it may give patients a chance to hope for a more favorable outcome.

Preliminary results using data from 105 patients suggest a significant association between age and uncertainty about cancer recurrence [cite publication]. Younger patients (age 49-59) reported higher uncertainty compared to older patients (age 60-89). Other descriptive and correlational data exist in the dataset. Initial results demonstrate that high-volume cancer clinic can measure important patient-reported outcomes and cancer survivors’ attitudes towards cancer recurrence. Additional data will allow further study of the correlation between patients’ age and their uncertainty about cancer recurrence, and may lead to improved support for cancer survivors

The New England Cancer Specialists in Maine started collecting data in late 2022 from adult cancer survivors presenting for follow-up appointments to discuss surveillance-test results. The patients were asked to fill out a survey about their attitudes regarding cancer recurrence, cancer-related distress, and coping strategies, along with sociodemographic information, cancer stage, and cancer status. Patients also completed questions designed to measure health-related quality of life and symptoms.