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Cancer

Distress Measurement in Cancer Genetic Counseling: A Crucial Aspects

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted at the University of Michigan has investigated the use of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List (PL) in assessing distress in individuals presenting to a cancer genetics clinic. The study aimed to evaluate the utility of these tools in an unselected population of patients. The results showed that younger age and female sex assigned at birth were associated with reporting high distress, while personal history of cancer was not a significant predictor. Worry, fatigue, and sleep disturbance were identified as the most commonly patient-reported problems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT) was found to be effective in identifying patients undergoing cancer genetic counseling who are experiencing high distress.
  • Younger age and female sex assigned at birth were associated with reporting high distress, while personal history of cancer was not a significant predictor.
  • Worry, fatigue, and sleep disturbance were the most commonly patient-reported problems.
  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer and Problem List (PL) have utility in assessing distress in patients presenting to a cancer genetics clinic.
  • Research to develop a more specific Problem List for oncology genetic counseling is considered.
  • The study's findings have implications for the development of more effective distress assessment tools for patients undergoing cancer genetic counseling.

Statistics:

  • 18 or older patients were divided into categories of low distress (DT score = 4) using the NCCN groupings for evaluation of distress.
  • The study found that younger age and female sex assigned at birth were associated with reporting high distress (DT score ≥ 4).
  • Worry, fatigue, and sleep disturbance were reported as the most common problems by 60% of patients.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from University of Michigan in Cancer Reported (Use of NCCn Distress Thermometer In Cancer Genetics Patients). Health & Medicine Week. May 23, 2025; p 1693.
  • Supportive Care in Cancer. Use of Nccn Distress Thermometer In Cancer Genetics Patients. 2025;33(5).
  • University of Michigan. Rogel Canc Ctr, 300 N Ingalls, Spc 5419, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.

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