title: Living experiences of Indian adult cancer survivors--a brief report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This pilot study looked into the physical, social, psychological and economic issues of Indian adult cancer survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Assumed cancer free patients, after cancer directed therapy (CDT), were assessed on the basis of a questionnaire developed by the investigators. The mental status of the survivors was elicited by modified MINI international neuro-psychiatric interview. This cross sectional assessment was conducted as a direct interaction with each patient for 30 to 45 minutes at a cancer hospital in 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty one adult cancer survivors participated in this study. Median age was 53 years with a median follow up duration of 21.8 months (Range 2.3-194.1 months). The majority (68%) did not receive financial support for treatment. Median interval after CDT to start of activity of daily living was 1.5 months (range: 0-24 months). Fatigue and loss of appetite were reported by 52% and 29% respectively. The cancer diagnosis and its treatment adversely impacted the financial condition in 42% of patients. Nineteen percent each showed social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder and another 13% patients reported depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This prospective assessment highlights survivorship issues and the need to address those issues particularly in the context of developing countries where resources and manpower are limited.
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, India E-mail : drjaspreet.ro@gmail.com.
authors: Bidhu Kalyan
authors: BK
authors: Mohanti
authors: Jaspreet
authors: J
authors: Kaur
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D058027:Neuropsychiatry; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*