Awareness of diagnosis, treatment and risk of late effects in Chinese survivors of childhood cancer in Hong Kong

Health Expectations

Vivian Wai‐yan Lee¹  Chi‐kong Li²  Alex Wing Kwan Leung²  Samantha Lai‐ka Lee²  Chung Tin Ma³  Hoi Kei Woo³  Lok Sum Yang³  Chun Him Chan³  Mei Shum Luk³  Yin Ting Cheung³  Nelson Chun‐yiu Yeung⁴ 

[1] Centre for Learning Enhancement and Research The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong;Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine Hong Kong Children’s Hospital Hong Kong Hong Kong;School of Pharmacy Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong;The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care Faculty of Medicine The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong;

关键词: childhood cancer;    education;    health literacy;    late effects;    survivorship;   

DOI  :  10.1111/hex.13288

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background For survivors of childhood cancer, awareness of personal health risks is a critical component of long‐term health management. Objective To evaluate the awareness of the diagnosis, treatment and risk of late effects among survivors of childhood cancer in Hong Kong. Methods Between June 2019 and March 2020, this cross‐sectional study recruited 155 adult survivors (mean age = 26.9, standard deviation [SD] = 6.4 years) and 45 parents of paediatric survivors (mean age = 11.1, SD = 3.6 years) from a long‐term follow‐up clinic. At >10 years post‐treatment (mean = 13.4, SD = 7.6 years), they completed a structured questionnaire to report their cancer‐specific knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify clinical, socioeconomic and behavioural factors associated with poor awareness. Results The majority of participants accurately recalled their diagnoses (73.5%) and major treatment modalities (chemotherapy 92.4%, radiation 82.9% and surgery 88.2%). However, less than half (45%) of the participants recognized more than 25% of the total late effects for which they were at risk. The highest levels of awareness were reported for endocrine problems (49%), neurocognitive impairment (44%) and secondary cancers (43%), and the lowest for peripheral neuropathy (21%) and vision problems (23%). Compared with survivors of haematological malignancies, those of central nervous system (CNS) tumours (standardized estimate [B] = −9.33, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: −13.41 to −5.26) and non‐CNS solid tumours (B = −8.47, 95% CI: −12.39 to −4.94) had less knowledge about their diagnosis. Retaining medical records (P < .0001) and better medical information‐seeking habits (P = .048) were associated with better awareness. Conclusions Survivors of childhood cancer in Hong Kong have deficient awareness of their personal health risks. They may benefit from the provision of a survivorship care plan and personalized education regarding treatment‐related late effects. Patient Contribution Patients contributed in designing the study tools. Results were presented at a non‐governmental organization.

【 授权许可】

Unknown