Patient Perspective and Worry regarding Ulcerative Colitis-Associated Cancer: A Questionnaire-Based Surveillance Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with ulcerative colitis are prone to mental disorders and may be under psychological burden due to the development of ulcerative colitis-associated cancer. Therefore, evidence regarding awareness and concerns about cancer development is needed. We aimed to investigate the state of awareness regarding cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis, and their concerns about cancer, awareness of risk factors, and information-gathering methods.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to patients with ulcerative colitis who regularly visited our hospital. The Cancer Worry Scale was used to quantitatively evaluate the anxiety of developing cancer and the psychological burden in daily life. The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire and the Short Form-8 were used to evaluate quality of life. Factors associated with cancer risk were also investigated.

Results: A total of 112 patients were included; 78 patients have perceived a risk of developing colorectal cancer. Cancer Worry Scale for colorectal cancer was significantly higher than that for gastric cancer. Of the patients who answered that they perceived developing colorectal cancer with ulcerative colitis, 70% found more details about developing cancer by asking doctors; and 85.7% by using the internet and social networking services. The intestinal disease-specific self-administered questionnaire, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, score was associated with positive Cancer Worry Scale. In the Short Form-8, a lower Mental Component Summary was also associated with a positive Cancer Worry Scale.

Conclusion: Patients with ulcerative colitis can be affected by cancer worry. More scientific evidence, reliable information that patients can access, and accurate information conveyed by medical staff are required.