Evaluation of a screening programme for psychological distress in cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
This study is aimed at evaluating the feasibility of a screening procedure for psychological distress in cancer survivors.


METHODS
Consecutive series of 339 cancer patients from three centres were requested to fill in two questionnaires measuring psychological distress (PDI) and social support (MOSS). Psychological intervention was offered to patients with significant degree of distress.


RESULTS
Most patients accepted to be screened (72.0%; n = 244), and a subgroup (16.0%) showed high psychological distress. A higher ratio of distressed patients was observed among those with lower social support (P = 0.017). A significant (P < 0.01) negative correlation between psychological distress and social support was observed. A psychological intervention was offered to patients with high psychological distress, but only 15.6% completed it.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study provide both some insights into the characteristics of psychological distress and some input on issues that may arise when implementing a screening procedure for psychological distress in cancer survivors. Further research is needed to assess both the clinical significance of distress and the most appropriate tools to carry out screening procedures within the target population.
Morasso
Gabriella
G
Psycho-Oncology Unit, National Cancer Research Institute, L.go R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
Di Leo
Silvia
S
Caruso
Anita
A
Decensi
Andrea
A
Beccaro
Monica
M
Berretta
Laura
L
Bongiorno
Laura
L
Cosimelli
Maurizio
M
Finelli
Stefania
S
Rondanina
Gabriella
G
Santoni
Wissya
W
Stigliano
Vittoria
V
Costantini
Massimo
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult