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CONCLUSION
Cancer distress is a serious concern. Our project demonstrates that patients experience distress at different levels, but it does impact most patients manifesting as common problems such as fatigue; pain; dry, itchy skin; and worry. The patients in this study were more likely to experience distress during the second cycle/week of treatment; however, future studies should follow a patient through treatment to determine whether this is a common point for distress. The study was important to the facilities involved to further develop policies and support changes to the distress screening process.
Heather Askren is an oncology nurse practitioner at Franciscan St Elizabeth in Lafayette, Indiana; Susan DeCrane is an assistant professor, Kathleen Abrahamson is an assistant professor, and Cynthia Keith is a clinical associate professor, all at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
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