Cancer screening patterns and concerns in caregivers of patients undergoing radiation therapy

Abstract

QUESTION ASKED: What is the compliance with recommended cancer screening in caregivers who accompany patients to radiation oncology consultations, and are there specific barriers and deficiencies? SUMMARY ANSWER: The results revealed that younger participants (#49 years) were less likely to report PCP discussion of cancer screening than older participants, and nearly half of the participants had one or more concerns regarding cancer screening (Fig 2B). Notable decreases in mammography and colonoscopy were seen in younger screeningeligible caregivers. METHODS: Over a 9-month period, 209 English-speaking men and women caregivers at an urban and two suburban radiation oncology treatment centers voluntarily completed the 21-question-item surveys designed to assess cancer screening. BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS: Limitations of this study include potential selection bias and inherent bias from a self-reported survey given to caregivers who accompany patients to radiation oncology consultation. Participant responses regarding screening practices were not independently verified. In this surveyed group, we report higher compliance rates than state and national rates, potentially limiting the effect of cancer screening discussion in this group. REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS: With the frequently shifting cancer screening recommendations, deficiencies and concerns remain prevalent. Radiation oncology consultations may serve as potential avenues for oncologists to address concerns and encourage compliance, thereby improving detection and outcomes. Further investigation of this methodology is warranted, particularly in underserved communities.