Endometrial cancer survivors are unsatisfied with received information about diagnosis, treatment and follow-up: a study from the population-based PROFILES registry.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate perceived level of and satisfaction with information received by endometrial cancer survivors, and to identify associations with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer between 1998 and 2007, registered in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry, received a questionnaire including EORTC-QLQ-INFO25.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven percent responded (n=742). Most patients indicated receiving quite a bit information about their disease and medical tests. However, most patients were not (54%) or a little (24%) informed about the cause of their disease, and possible side effects (36%; 27%). Especially information about additional help, rehabilitation, psychological assistance, and expected results on social and sexual life was lacking. Five percent was not or a little (36%) satisfied. Four percent found the information not or a little (35%) helpful. Fifteen percent preferred more information. Younger age, more recent diagnosis, radiotherapy, absence of comorbidities, having a partner, having received written information, and higher educational level were associated with higher perceived information receipt.

CONCLUSION

Many endometrial cancer survivors are unsatisfied with received information. Several areas of information provision are experienced as insufficient.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

More patient-tailored information is probably needed to provide optimal information. Implementation of Survivorship Care Plans might be a way to achieve this.