The goal of this observational study is to understand the emotional and physical burden (distress) experienced by cancer patients as they go through radiotherapy treatmen. Researchers want to learn what specific problems such as physical symptoms, financial worries, or travel issues most affect a patient's well-being and how those feelings change over the course of several weeks of care.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does high distress lead to negative clinical results, such as missing radiation appointments, significant weight changes, or needing to be admitted to the hospital unexpectedly? Which groups of patients are at the highest risk for severe distress (for example, those with advanced-stage cancer or those using specific types of health insurance)? What are the most common physical, practical, and emotional problems that cause distress during the different phases of treatment?
Participants will:
Complete a survey about their health history and background before treatment begins.
Rate their distress level on a scale of 0 to 10 (using a tool called a Distress Thermometer) and check off specific concerns from a 42-item list each week during their 2 to 8 weeks of radiotherapy.
Complete one final follow-up assessment one month after finishing their radiotherapy treatment.