Characterizing the Physical and Psychological Experiences of Newly Diagnosed Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Nursing College, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

2 Family and Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.

3 Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia.

4 Nursing Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia.

5 Lecturer of pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port said, Egypt.

6 Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Irbid National University, Jordan.

7 Medical- Surgical Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.

8 Department of Mental Health nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.

9 Nursing program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia.

10 Department of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

11 Department of Medical- Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Port Said, Egypt.

12 Department of Nursing, Al-Ghad International College of Applied Medical Sciences, Saudi Arabia.

13 Associate Professor of Community Health Nursing, Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia.

14 Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis, causing significant physical and psychological distress that detrimentally impacts patients’ quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the physical and psychological status of newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: A cohort of 138 newly diagnosed patients completed standardized assessments, including the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Distress Thermometer (DT). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The ESAS scores revealed high symptom burden, with mean scores of 6.8 for pain, 7.2 for fatigue, and 4.9 for depression. Measures of well-being indicated low scores, with means of 2.3 for physical well-being, 1.5 for social/family well-being, and 1.7 for emotional well-being. Distress levels were also high, with a mean score of 7.6 on the DT. Conclusion: Newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients experience substantial physical and psychological challenges, including severe symptom burden, distress, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Holistic care approaches that prioritize symptom management and address psychological distress are essential to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

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