Cancer Screening Patterns and Concerns in Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

Evolving cancer screening guidelines can confuse the public. Caregivers of patients undergoing radiation oncology may represent a promising outreach target for disseminating and clarifying screening information. We aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of cancer screening in this cohort, and (2) identify barriers to and deficiencies in screening.

We distributed a 21-item survey on cancer screening history and related concerns to caregivers ≥ 18 years old at one urban and two suburban radiation oncology centers. Reported screening habits were compared with American Cancer Society/American Urological Association guidelines for breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer. Statistical analysis included Pearson χ(2) tests.

A total of 209 caregivers (median age, 55.5 years; 146 women) were surveyed. Although 92% had primary care physicians (PCPs), only 58% reported being informed about recommended screening intervals. Participants ≤ 49 years old were less likely to report PCP discussion of cancer screening than older participants (41% and 66%, respectively; P = .006). Ninety-eight respondents (47%) had one or more screening concern(s). Among screening-eligible caregivers, 23 (18%) reported not undergoing regular colonoscopies. Fourteen women (13%) did not have Papanicolaou smears at recommended intervals, and 21 (18%) did not have annual mammograms. Six men (21%) did not undergo annual prostate screening. Decreased recommended screening with colonoscopy and mammography correlated with younger age.

This survey of relatively unexplored caregivers identified cancer screening deficiencies and concerns that might be addressed by targeted interventions. With approximately 60% of patients with cancer receiving radiation therapy, advice in the radiation oncology setting could positively affect cancer screening behaviors in caregivers.