Investigating Physical, Social, Emotional, and Health Frailties of Cancer Survivors after Cancer Treatment: The Urgent Call for Tailored Multidisciplinary Survivorship Plans in Italy
by
, , , , , and
Stefania Moramarco
1,*
,
Luigi De Angelis
2,
Laura Bernardini
3,
Lorenza Marconi
3,
Gaia Piunno
3,
Simonetta Siciliano
3,
Andrea Malizia
1
,
Ersilia Buonomo
1,
Alessia Pesaresi
1,
Angela Andreoli
1,
Barbara Capotondi
4,
Mario Roselli
4
,
Leonardo Palombi
1
and
Francesco Torino
4 1
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
2
Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
3
School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
4
Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cancers 2024, 16(17), 3080; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16173080
Submission received: 22 July 2024
/
Revised: 30 August 2024
/
Accepted: 2 September 2024
/
Published: 4 September 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advancements in Health-Related Quality of Life Research in Cancer Survivorship)
Simple Summary
This pilot study aims to identify the physical, mental, social, psychological, and health needs encountered by cancer survivors in order to propose and facilitate appropriate and tailored responses. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first multidimensional studies investigating this topic in Italy. Data show that the quality of life of cancer survivors is affected by cancer and its treatment, reporting more frailties than the general population, especially those over 65 years old. These findings could help develop multidisciplinary planning of survivorship care for the transition of patients from oncological management to primary healthcare.
Abstract
Background: Understanding the specific needs of cancer survivors is essential for healthcare policy. In Italy, dedicated studies are lacking, so we aimed to investigate the physical, mental, social, and health difficulties encountered by these patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on breast or colorectal cancer survivors (people 5+ years free from it and its treatments) using an ad hoc survey including validated questionnaires (Grauer–Palombi, SF-36, PREDIMED). Participants were recruited within the Oncology Unit of the “Policlinico Tor Vergata”, Italy. Results: A total of 62 patients (80.6% females; years range: 37–87) agreed to be interviewed. A profile of cancer survivors was drafted: an overaged person with multiple co-morbidities, not well-nourished, adhering to the Mediterranean diet, reporting critical conditions as for physical and functional status. The mean number of co-morbidities was 3.6 ± 2.4 SD, with a statistically significant difference between age groups (under and over 65). Compared to the general population, the sample showed more frailties, especially when >65. The risk of having multimorbidity (four or more co-morbidities) significantly increased in those over 65 (OR: 4.72; CI: 1.43–15.59). Conclusion: There is an urgent need for survivorship care planning for the patient-centered continuum of care. Assessing and monitoring their specific needs will help propose appropriate and tailored responses.
Keywords:
cancer; survivorship; frailty; overage; Italy
