Abstract P1-12-14: Quality of life, fear of recurrence, impact of cancer, and dietary habits in breast cancer patients during the early survivorship period - Initial data from the pilot Cas-PET (Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit) study
Authors: Rosenblatt PY , McQuaige M , Miller K , Nahm E-S , Hertsenberg L 
Published: May 2019

Introduction – With heightened public awareness, earlier detection, and better treatment, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to grow. Many of these cancer survivors have physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial challenges that require coordinated, comprehensive care. Patient involvement programs that focus on education and health promotion may help breast cancer survivors to manage their symptoms and take better control of their health. At the University of Maryland, a collaborative group developed the Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit (CaS-PET). CaS-PET includes the following components: survivorship care plans, online support program (learning modules and discussion board), and ongoing communication between providers and patients using a patient portal. The main aim of the study is to test the preliminary impact of the CaS-PET using a small sample.

Methods – After IRB approval, 30 cancer survivors at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stuart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center who were within 6 months of completion of active treatment were enrolled in a prospective pilot study that used a single group pre-post design. The outcome measures included changes in quality of life, fear of recurrence, impact of cancer, dietary and exercise behaviors, and selected cancer symptoms. In addition, participants' demographic characteristics, as well as Internet and patient portal experiences were also assessed at baseline. Currently, baseline surveys are completed and the 3-month follow-up data collection is ongoing.

Results – Among the total of 30 patients, 15 (50%) were breast cancer survivors. The median age was 57.2+13 years and all were female. Ten survivors were African American (66.7%). Most survivors received combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. At baseline, the mean scores for the positive impact and negative impact of cancer were 3.69 (range, 1-5, higher means more positive) and 2.57 (1-5, higher means more negative) respectively. Among various physical and mental cancer symptoms, breast cancer patients frequently experience lack of energy, pain, bloating, sadness, and constipation. The mean score for fear of recurrence was 14.16 +6.4 (range of 6-24, higher means more fear). The average scores for fat and fruit/vegetable consumption were 17.7+6.0 and 7.6+4.1, respectively, which indicated a diet high in fat and calories and low in fruit and vegetables.

Discussion – This baseline assessment shows breast cancer survivors experience significant residual symptoms following completion of active therapy. Many patients are fearful of recurrence and struggle with other negative impacts of cancer. However, patients have also found positives in their experiences. Participants have expressed enjoyment and benefit of the CaS-PET study. Full outcomes will be available in early September 2019.

Citation Format: Rosenblatt PY, McQuaige M, Miller K, Nahm E-S, Hertsenberg L. Quality of life, fear of recurrence, impact of cancer, and dietary habits in breast cancer patients during the early survivorship period - Initial data from the pilot Cas-PET (Cancer Survivorship Patient Engagement Toolkit) study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-12-14.