Poster Presentation 2025 Joint Meeting of the COSA ASM and IPOS Congress

Beyond the patient: Exploring the experiences of support people caring for individuals with gastric and oesophageal cancer. (126339)

Jayde Tyczenko 1 , Emma Kemp 1 2 , Maddi Dix 1 , Erin Symonds 1 3
  1. Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  2. Cancer Council South Australia, Eastwood, SA, Australia
  3. Gastroenterology Department, Flinders Medical Centre, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Bedford Park, SA, 5042

Objectives/Purpose

Diagnosis, treatment and aftercare for upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers involves complex, multifaceted care needs. These needs are often met by carers, who provide intensive and varied assistance throughout the patient journey. Despite their critical role in supporting survivorship after an upper GI cancer diagnosis, limited research explores carers’ experiences. This study aimed to understand carers’ perspectives on the caring task to identify opportunities for improved support.

Sample/Setting

Individuals with a carer role for someone diagnosed with gastric or oesophageal cancers within the prior three years were invited to participate in focus groups (FGs) as part of a broader study examining surveillance after GI cancer diagnoses. Patient recruitment occurred via hospital clinic lists, with their carers invited via separate letters provided to patients. The research team confirmed consent by phone. Thirteen female carers (12/13 spouses) of patients aged 55-80y (median 75y) participated across five FGs, four in person and one online.

Procedures

Discussions were guided by a semi-structured script. FGs ran from 03/2023-05/2023 and continued until no new themes were identified. Recordings were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results

Significant emotional, mental and physical burdens associated with caregiving roles were reported. Many assumed responsibilities of managing care and advocating for patient needs, resulting in lifestyle disruptions and increased stress. Experiences about perceived adequacy and accessibility of patient and carer support services varied. A consistent theme was the need for timely and personalised communication from healthcare providers to help patients and carers effectively navigate complexities of the cancer journey.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

Carers of individuals treated for upper GI cancers carry substantial burdens that impact their wellbeing and lifestyle. Their critical role highlights the need for improved communication and proactive support services which could contribute to sustainable cancer care for both patients and carers.