Cancer Patients And Their Information Needs For Prediction Of Symptom Burden During And After Treatment: Implications For Symptom Management.

9650 Background: Throughout and after treatment, cancer patients often face a high symptom burden (e.g. fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, etc.). A high symptom burden can reduce QOL and treatment adherence, potentially reducing survival. However, predicting the symptom burden in cancer patients remains challenging. Methods: Cancer patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy were prospectively surveyed at pre-treatment (n=972), during treatment (n=748), and 6-month follow-up (n=652). At pre-treatment, patients indicated symptom concern (Low, Moderate, or High) and the desire for additional information (Yes, No) on relieving symptoms. During treatment and at 6-month follow-up, patients reported on the severity (an 11-point scale: 0 “None” to 10 = “Worst”) of 12 symptoms (fatigue, hair loss, memory, nausea, depression, sleep, pain, concentration, hot flashes, weight loss, skin problems, and dyspnea). Total Symptom Score (TSS) is the sum of all 12 symptoms. Mean symptom severity b...