What surgeons should tell patients with oesophago-gastric cancer: a cross sectional study of information needs

Evidence shows that patients with cancer have many information needs, but specific requirements of patients undergoing surgery for oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer have not been well explored. This study surveyed information needs of patients with OG cancer and explored associations between patient characteristics and information needs.

A validated questionnaire assessing the importance of information about i) the nature, process and prognosis of the cancer, ii) tests, iii) treatments, and iv) physical and psychosocial outcomes (quality of life information) was completed by patients before and after OG cancer treatment. Items responses were transformed to a 0-100 score and linear regression explored associations between clinical and socio-demographic patient characteristics and patient information needs.

Questionnaires from 136 respondents were received (response rate 60%, 25% pre-operative, 77% men, mean age 66). Most types of information were rated as important, with information about prognosis and quality of life issues being scored as highly important by over 112 (82%) patients. Linear regression showed that women rated information relating to treatment and psychosocial effects as more important than men (p < 0.038), but no other associations were identified.

Most patients with OG cancer want detailed information, especially information about prognosis and quality of life. It is recommended that surgeons provide this for patients alongside information that the surgeon considers important.