What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate common symptoms, quality of life, and lifestyle factors in cancer survivors attending the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Clinic.

May 29, 2026

Common symptoms, quality of life, and lifestyle factors reported by cancer survivors attending the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Multidisciplinary Clinic.

Key Points

To evaluate common symptoms, quality of life, and lifestyle factors in cancer survivors attending the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Clinic.
Survivors completed patient-reported outcome measures assessing symptoms, quality of life, distress, and physical activity before clinic visits.
Clinical data were obtained from medical records over a 12-year period.
Statistical methods included descriptive analysis and comparison to the Australian general population.
47% of survivors reported 5+ symptoms of at least moderate severity, with fatigue (50%) and insomnia (40%) being the most common.
Mean quality of life total score was 79.9, with physical and emotional domains 0.8 SD below the Australian population.
59% of survivors were overweight or obese, and only 7% met national exercise guidelines.

Abstract

12113 Background: Sydney Cancer Survivorship Clinic (SCSC) provides multidisciplinary care for cancer survivors. During an initial visit, survivors consult with a medical oncologist or hematologist, cancer nurse specialist, dietitian, clinical psychologist, and exercise physiologist. Over 12 years, we assessed the health status of cancer survivors after curative-intent treatment. Methods: Survivors completed patient-reported outcomes assessing symptoms (PT-DATA), quality of life (QOL) (FACT-G), distress (Distress thermometer), fear of cancer recurrence (FCR-7, and psychologist assessment), diet, and physical activity (LTEQ) before initial clinic visit. Clinical data were obtained from the medical record. Simple descriptive statistical methods were used. FACT-G scores were standardized and compared to Australian general population and population with cancer (T-score 50, SD 10). Results: Between September 2013 and December 2025, 1181 survivors attended initial SCSC; 1081 (95%) consented to the use of their data. Of these, 68% were female; median age 58 years (range 18-91). Median time from diagnosis 10.7 months (IQR 8.4-16.6). Tumor types: 38% breast, 33% colorectal, 16% hematological, 14% other. Primary treatment: surgery 84%, chemotherapy 90%, radiotherapy 40%. Overall, 47% had 5+ symptoms of at least moderate severity (4+/10). Most frequently reported moderate-severe symptoms were: fatigue (50%), insomnia (40%), anxiety (36%), pain (35%), numbness (33%), sore hands/feet (32%), trouble concentrating (32%). Moderate-severe distress was reported in 44%. On the FCR-7, 32% had moderate-severe FCR. The psychologist rated 46% as having moderate-severe FCR. Mean QOL (FACT-G): total 79.9: domains physical 22.1; social 21.2, emotional 18, functional 18.6. Comparison to Australian populations: Total T-score 46.0: physical and emotional domains both 0.8 SD below. 59% were overweight or obese (mean BMI 27.2kg/m 2 (range 16.2-59.1)). Only 7% met national exercise guidelines for both resistance and aerobic exercise (18% resistance exercise alone, 24% aerobic exercise alone). Conclusions: Symptom burden remains high almost a year after diagnosis, with 47% reporting at least five moderate-severe symptoms; most commonly distress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and FCR. Overweight/obesity (59%) and physical inactivity remain lifestyle risk factors.

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