The Relationship of Social Determinants and Distress in Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

11-1-2022

Publication Title

J Am Coll Surg

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a new cancer diagnosis can experience distress when diagnosed. There is disparity in treatment of cancer patients based on social determinants, but minimal research exists on the relationship of those social determinants and distress after a new cancer diagnosis. Our goals were to determine the social determinants associated with distress after a new cancer diagnosis and determine the relationship of distress with outcome.

METHODS: Patients with a new cancer diagnosis at one institution from January 2019 to December 2020 were analyzed. Patients were given the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer during their first visit. Demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical variables and survival were recorded. Patients were also asked to share specific factors which led to distress, including: financial, transportation, childcare and religious.

RESULTS: A total of 916 patients returned distress thermometers. Mean age was 59.1 years. Women comprised 71.3 (653/916) percent of the cohort. The Figure shows the distress score distribution. On multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with increased distress level: female (p < 0.01), younger age (p < 0.01), uninsured (p < 0.01) and unemployed (p < 0.01). Patients with higher distress scores also experienced worse overall survival (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Women, younger patients, uninsured patients, and unemployed patients experience more distress after a new cancer diagnosis. Increased distress is independently associated with worse overall survival. Social determinants can be used to predict which patients may require focused intervention to reduce distress after a new cancer diagnosis.

Volume

235

Issue

5

First Page

S139

Last Page

S140

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