When do we need to care about the caregiver? Supportive care needs, anxiety, and depression among informal caregivers of patients with cancer and cancer survivors

Abstract

Background Cancer not only affects patients but also their caregivers. The objective of the current study was to assess the unmet needs of cancer caregivers and to identify possible predictors of their supportive care needs. Methods In a cross-sectional survey, 188 dyads of patients diagnosed with lung, urological, or gastrointestinal cancer and their primary caregivers were recruited. Caregivers were asked to complete the Supportive Care Needs Survey self-report questionnaire (for partners and caregivers); patients completed the corresponding questionnaire. Both groups provided information regarding their distress (National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer), anxiety, and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-4). Clinical characteristics were obtained from medical records. Results The mean age of the caregivers was 57.8 years. Approximately 72.3% were female. Patients had an average age of 62.5 years, with 33.0% being male. Caregivers were more distressed (P