Patient's Awareness of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: A Canadian Nationwide Survey

Approximately 20% of patients with cancer will have cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAT), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite its clinical importance, CAT awareness in cancer patients and caregivers remains low. We sought to assess the patients' knowledge of CAT through a national survey.

A survey assessing knowledge of different aspects of CAT was developed by a steering committee including four clinicians with expertise in CAT and a patient partner with lived experience. Survey dissemination among patients with cancer occurred through the Environics network, the Thrombosis Canada member network, the Thrombosis Canada social media platforms, and was advertised through Instagram and Facebook, and the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network newsletter.

Out of the 312 patients with cancer or survivors who responded to the survey, 179 (57.4%) were female, and 118 (37.8%) were over 65 years old. Overall, 119 patients (38.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.7-49.8%) reported having no knowledge of CAT. Only 84 (26.9%, 95% CI: 22.1-32.2%) and 94 (30.1%, 95% CI: 25.1-35.6%) patients reported receiving education about their underlying risk of CAT or education about signs and symptoms of venous thromboembolism, respectively. A total of 66 (21%, 95% CI: 16.8-26.1%) patients reported being informed by a health care professional about considering thromboprophylaxis. Patients were interested in learning more about the risk of CAT, its associated risk factors, and the benefits and potential side effects of thromboprophylaxis.

Many patients with cancer lack awareness or knowledge of CAT. Our results highlight ongoing education and awareness of the CAT burden.