Are cancer survivors/patients knowledgeable about osteoporosis? Results from a survey of 285 chemotherapy-treated cancer patients and their companions.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed osteoporosis knowledge deficits among cancer patients and their spouses/partners.


METHODS
Single-institution survey (modified version of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool).


METHODS
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.


METHODS
Consecutive chemotherapy-treated cancer patients (n = 285) with their spouses/partners (n = 101).


METHODS
The main outcome was the percentage of cancer patients who incorrectly conveyed that 1) cancer treatment strengthens bones (or did not know) and/or 2) male cancer patients are not at risk for osteoporosis (or did not know).


METHODS
Test scores and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as well as the correlation between patient and spouse/partner scores, are reported.


RESULTS
39% of patients (95% CI, 32% - 48%) thought cancer treatment strengthened bones or did not know, and 39% (95% CI, 32% - 48%) either answered that osteoporosis almost never occurred in men or did not know. The mean correct score on the modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool was 6.7 (95% CI, 6.7, 7.9), and scores from patients correlated with companion scores (r = 0.42; P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Chemotherapy-treated cancer patients and their companions have knowledge deficits concerning osteoporosis. Educational initiatives to increase awareness may be of value.
McKean
Heidi
H
Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Looker
Sherry
S
Hartmann
Lynn C
LC
Hayman
Suzanne R
SR
Kaur
Judith S
JS
McWilliams
Robert R
RR
Peethambaram
Prema P
PP
Stahl
Jean F
JF
Jatoi
Aminah
A
D024221:Antineoplastic Protocols; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors; D018454:Spouses / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*