Validation of the Psychosocial Screen for Cancer (PSSCAN)
Author Information
Author(s): Linden Wolfgang, Andreas Vodermaier, McKenzie Regina, Barroetavena Maria C, Yi Dahyun, Doll Richard
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Can the PSSCAN provide empirically justified cut-off scores and normative data for anxiety and depression in cancer patients?
Conclusion
The PSSCAN is a valid tool for screening anxiety and depression in cancer patients, with established cut-off scores for clinical use.
Supporting Evidence
- The PSSCAN showed high sensitivity (92%) and specificity (98%) for clinical anxiety.
- The PSSCAN demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity for clinical depression.
- Newly diagnosed cancer patients had similar anxiety levels to healthy controls but higher depression scores.
- Patients with chronic illnesses reported greater distress than newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Takeaway
The PSSCAN helps doctors find out if cancer patients are feeling very anxious or sad, so they can get the right help.
Methodology
Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted using data from cancer patients who completed the PSSCAN and another standardized instrument.
Potential Biases
Self-reported chronic illness may introduce bias, and smaller sample sizes may affect reliability.
Limitations
Comparisons of different samples may be less reliable due to varying recruitment methods and limited demographic information.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 53 years, with 60 women and 41 men in the sensitivity analysis sample.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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