ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S4161

RTT - Patient experience and quality of life

ESTRO 2025

Results: A survey of 153 out of 187 patients (average age 57 for BC, 70 for PC) revealed significant travel burdens. Figure 2 illustrates the distribution of patients from different provinces. Forty-three percent of patients travelled from outside Jeddah, averaging 415 km, compared to 17.9 km for those within Jeddah. HFRT offered substantial transportation cost savings, estimated at $101 for BC patients (an additional $133 for those outside Jeddah) and $213 for PC patients (an additional $320 for those outside Jeddah). Median accommodation cost savings were $733 for BC and $1600 for PC. Median time savings were 9.25 hours for BC and 30 hours for PC. All patients were satisfied with the treatment duration, with 42% preferring the shorter hospital stay and 8% citing financial reasons. Notably, 24% of patients with BC and 12% of patients with PC reported that daily visits to the clinic had a negative impact on their mental health, primarily in the form of stress and anxiety.

Conclusion: Cancer patients in Saudi Arabia travel significant distances for RT. HFRT reduces patient-related costs, enhances satisfaction, and may potentially improve RT access by addressing logistical challenges.

Keywords: Breast cancer, prostate cancer, cost savings

References: 1. Saudi Health Council: Saudi health council official website. Saudi Arabia. https://shc.gov.sa/En 2. Patel S, Olatunji E, Mallum A, et al: Expanding radiotherapy access in sub-Saharan Africa: An analysis of travel burdens and patient-related benefits of hypofractionation. Front Oncol 13:1136357, 2023. 3.Irabor OC, Swanson W, Shaukat F, et al: Can the adoption of hypofractionation guidelines expand global radiotherapy access? An analysis for breast and prostate radiotherapy. JCO Glob Oncol 6:667-678, 2020. 4. Fenn KM, Evans SB, McCorkle R, et al: Impact of financial burden of cancer on survivors’ quality of life. J Oncol Pract 10:332-338, 2014.