A longitudinal study of four unique trajectories of psychological distress in cancer survivors after completing potentially curative treatment

Abstract

Background: Many survivors report short-term, transient psychological distress after cancer treatment. Some experience severe, worsening or persistent psychological morbidity which impairs functioning and warrants intervention. Using Bonanno’s trajectories model, this study aimed to distinguish distress trajectories and to identify demographic, medical or psychosocial characteristics that differentiate those at risk of ongoing, clinically significant psychological distress. Methods: One-hundred and twenty-five cancer survivors of breast, prostate, colorectal or haematological cancers (response rate: 72%) completed measures of psychological distress (BSI-18), unmet needs (CASUN), social suppo..