ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S5647

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2024

Data has been collected via an online survey, distributed to women with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy in various States in Australia (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland). Participation is voluntary and anonymous, conducted via the ‘QuestionPro’ platform. The survey consists of five sections covering demographics, general health, physical activity, nutrition, and an E&N program. To be eligible for participation, women must be over 18 years of age and currently undergoing RT for breast cancer, having received at least five fractions but not yet completed treatment.

Results:

Of the current 51 participants (expected target ~300), the majority (29%) are between the ages of 55 & 64. Most women (78%) underwent a lumpectomy and 39% received chemotherapy before RT. The most common co morbidities among women are high blood pressure (39%), high cholesterol (35%) and anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress (27%) and 18% of women have carer responsibilities for either their children or parents. In reference to CRF impacting regular daily routine, 29% of women reported they work less hours since commencing treatment, while others stopped working completely, with the effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment being the most common reason. One participant expressed; ‘P1: being fatigued and immunocompromised due to treatment’. Before cancer diagnosis, most women perceived their general health as ‘very good’ (43%) or ‘excellent’ (22%), with 61% having a lot of energy ‘most of the time’. However, in comparison, most women perceive their general health during RT treatment as ‘good’ (49%) or ‘fair’ (20%), having a lot of energy only ‘some of the time’ (37%) or a ‘little of the time’ (26%). Forty three percent of women ‘strongly agree’ and 32% ‘agree’, regular physical activity would help reduce tension and manage stress and 39% ‘strongly agree’ and 37% ‘agree’ it would help with sleeping better. Women exhibited variations between pre-diagnosis and during RT regarding frequency of food consumption, serving sizes and types of food consumed. This included intake of vegetables, fruit, bread, and milk. Regarding the implementation of a tailored E&N program, 36% of women reported it would help them through their RT treatment, with comment; ‘P2: to have an understanding of what to eat, as cancer has caused early menopause’.

Conclusion:

These preliminary results present variations in responses at different periods, specifically pre-diagnosis and during RT treatment; in particular participants’ perceptions of general health, sleep quality, energy levels, emotional state, and physical functioning. It is evident women recognise the positive impact E&N could have on their QoL and mitigation of RT related complications. Furthermore, the findings indicate that women would participate in a tailored E&N program, if it were made available during their RT treatment. These findings are evidence that implementing standard approaches towards improving women’s QoL is necessary, and E&N are favourable methods among women and should be considered for standard implementation in radiation oncology.

Keywords: Exercise, Nutrition, Intervention

References: