ABSTRACT
To assess the work hours and income of patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, treatable with curative intent. The study evaluated the impact of lost wages on patients and their families in the population that is served by Bayhealth Medical Center. METHODS: This study was conducted between 2016 and 2020. The curative cancer focus included breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, testicular, uterine, cervical, bladder, esophageal, head and neck, and stomach. Patients were identified on their survivorship visit with Medical Oncology or Radiation Oncology. Two surveys were used to collect information specific to employment status, leave of absence/change in hours, and monthly income. RESULTS: Survey one had 142 participants. Survey two had 134 participants. In survey one, 99.3% of participants reported being employed at least half time at the time of diagnosis. On the Survivorship visit, 95% reported being currently employed at least half time. Only 87% were employed in the same job and title. When reporting income, 64% of participants had the same income, and 25.4% reported a reduction in income since being diagnosed and completing cancer treatment. In survey two, completed one-year post-survivorship visit, 83.6% of participants reported being employed at least half time. Of those, 76.9% were working for the same employer as they were at time of diagnosis. To that end, 26.1% of participants reported their income as lower than it was at time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: A cancer diagnosis with treatment can and does have an impact on a person's ability to remain employed at least half time and sustain the same level of income.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess and compare specific characteristics and identify any differences, gaps, and/or disparities among two population groups; Bayhealth Lung screening program participants and newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer patients. Methods: This study was conducted with 2019 data from the American College of Radiology (ACR) registry, 1st time Low Dose CT screenings (Group 1) and the Bayhealth Cancer registry, newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer patients (Group 2). Results: Group 1 has 615 participants and Group 2 has 140 participants. The groups are separated based upon who is a first-time participant in the Bayhealth Lung Screening program in 2019 compared to patients who were newly diagnosed with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer at Bayhealth Medical Center-Cancer Center in 2019. Groups 1 and 2 had a statistical difference in the number of packs per year of cigarettes smoked. In group 2 there is no association between smoking status and clinical stage of diagnosis. There is however an association between smoking experience and pathological stage. Conclusion: Smoking continues to be the main contributing factor in patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. In addition to prevention efforts, early detection through Lung Cancer screenings is vital to identify early stage cancer.
ABSTRACT
A pleural effusion is a rare presenting feature of multiple myeloma and can be a complication of myelomatous ascites as well. An additional unique feature of our case includes the finding of a normal bone marrow at the time of presentation despite the aggressive course of the disease. To the best of our knowledge after an extensive medical literature review, this case is the first one of multiple myeloma presenting with a plasmacytic pleural effusion, a negative bone marrow, and a late complication of plasmacytic ascites. Involvement of serous cavities in myeloma carries a poor prognosis, and there is currently no standard effective treatment regimen.
