A recent study has shed light on the significant time pressures faced by breast and gynecologic cancer survivors, revealing how treatment schedules interfere with daily activities and personal responsibilities.
The comprehensive survey, involving 224 survivors from two cohort groups, examined the logistical challenges and time burdens associated with ongoing cancer care. Participants voiced their priorities in reducing travel time, minimizing waiting periods, and decreasing the number of visits to cancer centers.
Impact on Daily Life Activities
Approximately half of the respondents emphasized the importance of alleviating time-related stressors connected to their treatment regimens. Many reported that frequent medical appointments encroached on leisure time and made it difficult to attend to household chores and care for dependents.
Demographic Variations in Time Burden
The study found notable differences based on employment status, income, and treatment phase. Retired individuals were less concerned with reducing travel or wait times compared to those who were employed. Additionally, participants with lower incomes and those undergoing maintenance therapy prioritized shorter waiting times more highly.
Inferences:
• Working survivors grapple with integrating treatment schedules into their professional lives.
• Lower-income patients may lack resources to mitigate time burdens effectively.
• Active treatment phases significantly disrupt personal leisure and dependent care activities.
Addressing these time-related challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality of life among cancer survivors. Healthcare providers might consider implementing more flexible scheduling, telehealth options, and supportive services tailored to the needs of those with lower incomes or active treatment phases. By doing so, the burden of frequent medical visits can be reduced, allowing survivors to better manage their personal and professional responsibilities alongside their treatment plans.
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