Cancer survivors at increased risk for psychological distress

Long-term survivors of adult-onset cancer were at an elevated risk for psychological distress, according to data analyzed from the National Health Interview Survey.

Researchers examined data from 4,636 participants who survived more than five years after diagnosis of adult-onset cancer and compared it with data from 122,220 participants who had no previous diagnosis of cancer. Psychological distress was measured on the K6 screening scale; a score of 13 or higher was considered serious.

The rate of serious psychological distress was higher in the survivor group (5.6%) than in the group without cancer (3.0%; P<.001). The survivor group remained at higher risk for serious psychological distress after adjustment for age and sex (OR=1.9; 95% CI, 1.7-2.3).

When further adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables, including race, relationship status, educational attainment and smoking history, the survivor group was still at higher risk than the group without cancer (OR=1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7).

Among cancer survivors, age <65 years, unmarried status, less than a high school education, lack of insurance, comorbid illness and difficulty performing instrumental activities of daily living were associated with greater risk for serious psychological distress.

Hoffman KE. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:1274-1281.