Keywords

Cancer Survivor Web-Based Survey (CS-WEBS), Nonbreast solid tumor malignancies, Web-based cancer survivor needs assessment survey

 

Authors

  1. LAVOIE SMITH, ELLEN M. PhD, APRN-BC, AOCN
  2. SKALLA, KAREN MS, APRN-BC, AOCN
  3. LI, ZHONGZE MS
  4. ONEGA, TRACY PhD
  5. RHODA, JUNE MSN, APRN-BC
  6. GATES, CHARLENE RPT
  7. LITTERINI, AMY PT, DPT
  8. SCOTT, MARY R. MS, APRN-BC, AOCN

Abstract

Development of cancer survivor resources has been hampered by lack of knowledge regarding survivors' needs. The main study aim was to pilot test a Web-based cancer survivor needs assessment survey. The second aim was to pilot three sampling approaches. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and nine community-based clinics serving urban and rural populations. Population-based and convenience sampling approaches were used to recruit 547 participants over 4 months. Participants completed a Web-based cancer survivor needs assessment survey. Respondents were mainly white (98%), married (71%) women (80%) with a college education (96%). Although most (66%) (n = 362) had been diagnosed with breast cancer, other cancer diagnoses were represented. Participants reported fatigue (47%), forgetfulness (39%), joint pain (34%), anxiety (31%), trouble sleeping (28%), peripheral neuropathy (27%), inflexibility (23%), and weight gain (23%). Survivors with nonbreast solid tumor malignancies reported more problems than those with breast or hematologic malignancies (P range = .037 to <.0001). Most survivors requested assistance for losing weight (74.2%), decreasing fatigue (50%), and improving flexibility (69.3%), sleep (68.5%), and memory (60.2%). Results supported that cancer survivors struggle with many enduring problems. Web-based technology will facilitate future exploration of unmet needs.