Understanding the Attitudes and Beliefs of Oncologists Regarding the Transitioning and Sharing of Survivorship Care

Transitioning survivorship care from oncologists to primary care physicians (PCPs) is a reasonable alternative to oncologist-led care. This study assessed oncologists’ attitudes and beliefs regarding sharing/transitioning survivorship care. A prospective survey of oncologists within a regional cancer program assessing self-reported barriers and facilitators to sharing/transitioning survivorship care was disseminated. In total, 63% (n = 39) of surveyed oncologists responded. Patient preference (89%) and anxiety (84%) are key to transition of care decisions; reduced remuneration (95%) and fewer longitudinal relationships (63%) do not contribute. Oncologists agreed that more patients could be shared/transitioned. Barriers include treatment-related toxicities (82% agree), tumor-specific factors (60–90% agree) and perception of PCP willingness to participate in survivorship care (47% agree). Oncologists appear willing to share/transition more survivors to PCPs, though barriers exist that warrant further study. Understanding these issues is critical to developing policies supporting comprehensive survivorship care models that address both cancer and non-cancer health needs. The demonstrated feasibility of this project warrants a larger-scale survey of oncologists with respect to the transition of survivorship care to PCPs, to further inform effective interventions to support high-quality survivorship care.

Survey of AREDS2 Formula Intake in Korean Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose: To investigate the use of second AREDS2 formula in patients with intermediate or advanced age-related macular degeneration.Methods: A prospective survey was conducted between December 2019 and July 2020. The questionnaire consisted of 24 questions on demographics, disease perception, and formula intake.Results: The survey included 100 patients (males, 56%; age [>60 years], 89%). We found that 66%, 84%, and 93% of patients had a good understanding of their disease, had stopped smoking, and were aware of the need for antioxidant supplements; 58% of patients were aware of the supplement they were prescribed, and 63.8% (37% of total) were using the AREDS2 formula. Only 8% of patients had knowledge regarding the supplement ingredients, and 91% consumed the supplement daily. Patients with long disease duration used supplements less frequently (p < 0.05). Older patients and those with a low education level had a limited perception of the disease (p < 0.05).Conclusions: In this prospective survey, some patients consumed supplements other than the AREDS2 formula. Further studies are required to determine ways to increase the use of the AREDS2 formula.

The Utility of Multi-dimensional Symptom Assessment Scales for Children Treated in a Tertiary Paediatric Oncology Unit: a Prospective Survey-based Study

Background: Children undergoing cancer-directed treatment experience distressing symptoms. Multi-dimensional patient-reported symptom assessment scales have been validated in children with cancer, but are not routinely used in clinical practice.Aim: To describe the symptom prevalence and burden for children receiving treatment in a paediatric oncology unit, as described by both children where possible, and their parents.Methods: Prospective survey-based study during which the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was administered to children and parents. Participants were offered the opportunity to complete the survey on multiple occasions. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. Institutional ethics approval was granted (HREC37022A).Results: Forty-one children were recruited, aged 8 months to 18 years and 54% were female. In total, 54 parent surveys and 29 child surveys were completed. The vast majority of surveys (81%) were completed in the inpatient setting, and more than half within 10 days of chemotherapy. Haematological malignancies predominated. There was a median of 4.8 months between diagnosis and recruitment. Eleven children died after the study closed; no patients died during the study period. Children aged 10 – 18 reported an average of 15 symptoms. Symptom prevalence did not always correlate with distress.Conclusions: Exploration of the impact of a symptom, and not just its presence, is vital for patient-centred care and can be achieved using multi-dimensional symptom scales. Both the child and caregiver’s voices should be obtained where possible. Further studies are needed to explore how these scales can be used to identify distress and guide supportive care delivery.

Examining Menthol Preference as a Correlate of Change in Cigarette Smoking Behavior over a One-Year Period

Menthol cigarette use has been shown to be a contributing factor in the changes in smoking over time among youth. The current study aim was to use prospective survey data to identify if menthol cigarette use was associated with changes in smoking among adults. A representative cohort from the 2010 U.S. Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey was interviewed at two time points one year apart. Respondents were past-30-day cigarette smokers at Wave 1 or Wave 2 categorized by menthol vs. non-menthol flavor preference (n = 3668). Trajectories were categorized as maintained, increased, or decreased smoking behavior between Waves. Multinomial logistic regressions examined if menthol cigarette use was associated with an increase/decrease in smoking behavior, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and sex. Menthol cigarette use was not associated with change over time in cigarette smoking in adult smokers. Age, race/ethnicity and sex were associated with changes in cigarette smoking. Young (vs. older) adults were more likely to increase smoking. Black and Hispanic smokers (vs. white smokers) were more likely to report any change in smoking. Males were less likely than females to change smoking behavior. Menthol status was not associated with changes in smoking among adults; however, young age, race/ethnicity, and sex were, suggesting populations to target for intervention.