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Symptom Clusters and Symptom Burden in Cancer Survivors.
Marilyn J Hammer1, Carolyn Harris2, Rachel Pozzar1
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Cancer Medicine
|March 6, 2026
Summary
Cancer survivors experience significant symptom burden, with an average of ten concurrent symptoms. Younger, female, and those with metastatic disease face higher risks, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for identified symptom clusters.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Survivorship Research
- Symptom Management
Background:
- Limited data exists on symptom burden and clusters in cancer survivors.
- Understanding these experiences is crucial for improving quality of life post-treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the occurrence, severity, and distress of 44 symptoms in cancer survivors.
- To identify risk factors for a higher symptom burden.
- To evaluate for distinct symptom clusters using occurrence rates.
Main Methods:
- 1147 cancer survivors completed an online survey assessing 44 symptoms using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale.
- Multivariable regression identified risk factors for symptom burden.
- Exploratory factor analysis revealed symptom clusters based on occurrence.
Main Results:
- Survivors reported an average of ten concurrent symptoms.
- Younger age, female sex, comorbidities, metastatic disease, and poorer functional status increased symptom burden risk.
- Six symptom clusters were identified: psychological, cancer/treatment-related, respiratory, pain, weight loss, and epithelial.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to confirm symptom and cluster prevalence and identify more risk factors.
- Understanding the mechanisms underlying symptom clusters is essential.
- Developing targeted interventions for specific symptom clusters across cancer types is a future priority.
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