Distress in cancer patients and their compliance to treatment: A prospective study

As per the global data 50%, of the cancer patients experience stress, whereas in India 60% -70% of cancer patients experience stress during their diagnosis, treatment and even during post-treatment follow-up period. Stress is a frequent and most commonly neglected complaint of the patient that affects the outcome of therapy. In the present study, we will assess the distress level in cancer patients and evaluate for any correlation between distress score and compliance to treatment.

During the primary visit the patient's distress score is assessed using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer (DT) and problem list. And those patients who were illiterate or unable to read or write due to other reasons were questioned and questionnaire filled by an unbiased third party. Patients were followed up until the end of their treatment and the defaulters were noted down.

Forty three (19%) patients out of 224 defaulted treatment. Among this 70% had high distress risk but the difference in mean distress scores for defaulters and completed patients were statistically insignificant. (5.54 and5.37 respectively, P = 0.663).

Patients with high distress scores have to be counseled repeatedly to prevent them from quitting the treatment therapy.