Caregiving Experience of Multiple Myeloma Patients

Abstract

Introduction

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. On a worldwide scale, it is estimated that about 86,000 incident cases occur annually. The aim of this report is to investigate the experience among multiple myeloma caregivers, assessing the mental adjustment to cancer diagnosis and the most prevalent psychopathology in the caregivers. This paper also attempts to establish the influence of the symptoms has in the caregiving experience.

Methods

All eligible caregivers will be approached during a regularly scheduled patient clinic visit and informed consent will be obtained prior to study participation. Data will be collected using the Mental Adjustment Scale to the Cancer Scale Partner (EAMC-F), Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale – Short Form, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results

According to the literature caring for patients with MM can be different comparing with another form of cancer. It is an incurable form of cancer, although treatments improve life expectancy and quality of life. The authors are expecting to find high rates of depression, anxiety, unmet needs, and burden of care. The symptoms of the patients will probably influence the caregiving experience.

Conclusion

MM accounts for about 14% of all newly diagnosed hematological cancer, and it is estimated that its incidence will rise. The importance of psychiatric intervention in the multidimensional approach is becoming a recognized reality. This is essential in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, to improve prognosis and quality of life but also to reduce side effects of treatments and symptoms related to cancer.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.