Age-related sarcoma patient experience: results from a national survey in England.
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Date
2018-10-17ICR Author
Author
Younger, E
Husson, O
Bennister, L
Whelan, J
Wilson, R
Roast, A
Jones, RL
van der Graaf, WT
Type
Journal Article
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcomas are rare, heterogeneous tumours affecting patients of any age. Previous surveys describe that sarcoma patients report a significantly worse experience than those with common cancers. Consequently, Sarcoma UK conducted a national survey and these data were examined for age- and tumour-related differences in patients' experiences. METHODS: Patients were randomly selected from respondents to National Cancer Patient Experience Surveys (n = 900). Differences between patient groups according to age (Adolescents and Young Adults [AYA] 18-39 years, middle-aged 40-64 years, elderly 65 + years) and tumour type (soft-tissue [STS] vs. bone]) were analysed with t-tests or chi-square tests. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 62% (n = 558; STS 75%, bone sarcoma 25%). Delay in diagnosis was reported; 27% patients (n = 150) waited > 3 months and initial symptoms were incorrectly interpreted; AYA STS patients were significantly more likely to be treated for another condition, or advised that their symptoms were not serious, than older STS patients. Clinical trial participation was low (6%, n = 35). Symptom burden was high, most commonly daytime fatigue (48%, n = 277) and pain (44%, n = 248). AYAs were significantly more likely to report most side-effects and post-treatment concerns than older patients. Elderly patients were more satisfied with the information and emotional support provided than younger patients, however were significantly less likely to be referred to rehabilitation services. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies significant age-related differences in the sarcoma patient journey, which are not only related to variation in tumour-types. These results provide rationale for adopting an age-specific approach to the management of sarcoma patients in order to improve overall patient experience.
Collections
Subject
Humans
Osteosarcoma
Sarcoma
Soft Tissue Neoplasms
Follow-Up Studies
Cross-Sectional Studies
Age Factors
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Middle Aged
England
Female
Male
Young Adult
Surveys and Questionnaires
Research team
Clinical and Translational Sarcoma
Sarcoma Clinical Trials (R Jones)
Language
eng
Date accepted
2018-09-26
License start date
2018-10-17
Citation
BMC cancer, 2018, 18 (1), pp. 991 - ?
Publisher
BMC