OBJECTIVES: There is a linear increase in the number of patients surviving a cancer diagnosis, estimated to exceed 22 million in the U.S. by the year 2030.¹ Epidemiologic data for cancer related treatment effects (CRTE) are staggering and represent a public health crisis. This research aims to explore evidence to support the introduction of a new term to the medical lexicon to bring this public health crisis to light: cancer related disease trauma (CRDT).

METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted to provide a clinical epidemiological view of cancer survivors. In addition, patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures were administered to cancer survivors participating in oncology clinics to compliment epidemiological data in describing disease burden.

RESULTS: While the prevalence of physical and emotional CRTE varied across survivors, the most common physical CRTE included: cardiovascular; pulmonary; gastrointestinal; rheumatologic; endocrine; renal; sensory; neurological; lymphatic; genitourinary; and secondary malignancies.² Cancer survivors showed adverse symptoms impacting quality of life 5-years post diagnosis, including sexual health issues (45%), hot flashes (38%), pain (34%), fatigue (24%) and polyneuropathy (21%). Significant gaps in support are reported for menopausal disorders (43%), physical performance (39%), sleep problems (38%), arthralgia (37%), cognitive problems (36%), weight problems (32%), and fatigue (31%).³ Additionally, behavioral and psychological issues commonly encountered among cancer survivors included, emotional distress, body image concerns, infertility, fears of recurrence, financial toxicity, and social isolation.¹ Measuring components of CRDT using PROs in oncology clinics, a significant proportion of cancer survivors showed significant deficits in psychological health (48%), physical functioning (52%), social functioning (68%), cognitive functioning (56%), and financial health (68%).

CONCLUSIONS: Addressing a gap in cancer survivor care, through vital-sign surveillance of CRDT using standardized PROs, a path forward is provided for updated standard-of-care services for cancer survivors and their health care providers that is delivered through a primary cancer survivor care model.