Assessment of psycho-emotional symptoms in cancer patients in an Oncology-Palliative Care Department from Romania

Introduction. Anxiety and depression have an increased prevalence in cancer patients, especially in those in an advanced stage of the disease. These disorders have a major impact on the social life, existential concerns and quality of life of cancer patients. Materials and Methods. A number of 114 consecutive patients were included in the study (in a period of 2 weeks) who were screened for anxiety, depression and for other common symptoms, using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Results. Regarding the age - the abnormal level of anxiety and depression: the percentage of patients over 65 years was higher than the percentage of patients under 64 years, both in terms of anxiety and depression. Regarding the Performance status ECOG - abnormal level of anxiety and depression: the percentage of patients with ECOG = 3-4 is higher than that of patients with ECOG = 0-2. Results. The increased prevalence of anxiety and depression requires psychological counseling and treatment. It is important for these symptoms to be identified as soon as possible, in order to provide a good quality of life. Conclusions. The model we propose is for the HADS to be a screening tool on admission to a palliative care ward, for certain categories of patients.