Supportive care needs, quality of life and psychological morbidity of advanced colorectal cancer patients

Purpose: This study describes the supportive care needs in a consecutive sample of Italian colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, evaluating their quality of life and psychological morbidity. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design and self-assessment procedures and was conducted in an ambulatory setting. Demographics, basic clinical features, supportive care needs, quality of life and psychological morbidity of 203 CRC patients were gathered. Results: Approximately the 80% of the patients experienced one or more moderate- or high-level unmet need, notably regarding psychological concerns (approximately the 20% presented also signs of anxiety and depression). Functional roles and cognitive functioning were low. Symptoms of fatigue, nausea and vomiting and financial issues were frequent. The severity of anxiety, depression and quality of life impairment was significantly different across different levels of needs according to a unique linear relation. Patients with moderate or high needs had more severe anxiety and depression and a lower quality of life (i.e., lower level of functioning and more severe symptoms) than those with no needs or low needs. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that meeting supportive care needs seems to improve psychological morbidity, functions and symptoms of CRC patients.