Distress and unmet needs during treatment and quality of life in early cancer survivorship: a longitudinal study of haematological cancer patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of anxiety, depression and unmet supportive care needs on future quality of life (QoL) in multiple myeloma (MM) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. METHODS: MM and DLBCL patients recruited through the population-based Victorian Cancer Registry. Data was collected through two telephone interviews: T1) on average 7 months post diagnosis, T2) average 8 months later. QoL was examined at T2 using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) scale. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale measured anxiety and depression and the Supportive Care Needs Survey measured unmet needs at T1. Multivariate linear regression examined associations between QoL subscales (physical, emotional, social, and functional wellbeing and overall QoL) and T1 anxiety, depression and unmet needs. RESULTS: Except physical wellbeing, all other QoL subscales and overall QoL were significantly associated with T1 anxiety. All QoL subscales and overall QoL were significantly associated with T1 depression. Only patient-care needs were associated with physical and social wellbeing and overall QoL. CONCLUSION: Anxiety, depression and patient-care unmet needs during treatment are associated with diminished physical and emotional well-being in the following months. Psychological distress and unmet supportive care needs experienced during treatment should be addressed to maximise future QoL.