Common symptoms, quality of life, and lifestyle factors reported by cancer survivors attending the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Multidisciplinary Clinic.

Abstract

12113 Background: Sydney Cancer Survivorship Clinic (SCSC) provides multidisciplinary care for cancer survivors. During an initial visit, survivors consult with a medical oncologist or hematologist, cancer nurse specialist, dietitian, clinical psychologist, and exercise physiologist. Over 12 years, we assessed the health status of cancer survivors after curative-intent treatment. Methods: Survivors completed patient-reported outcomes assessing symptoms (PT-DATA), quality of life (QOL) (FACT-G), distress (Distress thermometer), fear of cancer recurrence (FCR-7, and psychologist assessment), diet, and physical activity (LTEQ) before initial clinic visit. Clinical data were obtained from the medical record. Simple descriptive statistical methods were used. FACT-G scores were standardized and compared to Australian general population and population with cancer (T-score 50, SD 10). Results: Between September 2013 and December 2025, 1181 survivors attended initial SCSC; 1081 (95%) consented to the use of their data. Of these, 68% were female; median age 58 years (range 18-91). Median time from diagnosis 10.7 months (IQR 8.4-16.6). Tumor types: 38% breast, 33% colorectal, 16% hematological, 14% other. Primary treatment: surgery 84%, chemotherapy 90%, radiotherapy 40%. Overall, 47% had 5+ symptoms of at least moderate severity (4+/10). Most frequently reported moderate-severe symptoms were: fatigue (50%), insomnia (40%), anxiety (36%), pain (35%), numbness (33%), sore hands/feet (32%), trouble concentrating (32%). Moderate-severe distress was reported in 44%. On the FCR-7, 32% had moderate-severe FCR. The psychologist rated 46% as having moderate-severe FCR. Mean QOL (FACT-G): total 79.9: domains physical 22.1; social 21.2, emotional 18, functional 18.6. Comparison to Australian populations: Total T-score 46.0: physical and emotional domains both 0.8 SD below. 59% were overweight or obese (mean BMI 27.2kg/m 2 (range 16.2-59.1)). Only 7% met national exercise guidelines for both resistance and aerobic exercise (18% resistance exercise alone, 24% aerobic exercise alone). Conclusions: Symptom burden remains high almost a year after diagnosis, with 47% reporting at least five moderate-severe symptoms; most commonly distress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and FCR. Overweight/obesity (59%) and physical inactivity remain lifestyle risk factors.