Default of cancer treatment association with psychological distress and desire for psychological support.

9567 Background: Default of treatment is highly prevalent among cancer patients, with delayed or incomplete treatment shown to result in worse clinical outcomes such as treatment resistance, disease progression as well as poorer survival. Our objective was to identify psychosocial variables and characteristics associated with cancer default. We hypothesized that cancer patients who are psychologically distressed are more likely to: (a) refuse, delay or discontinue cancer treatment and routine patient follow up, and (b) decline offers for psychological support. Methods: This study is part of a larger prospective study assessing the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer. A total of 467 consecutive adult cancer patients attending scheduled oncology follow-ups at a single academic medical centre completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and reported their preference for psychological support at baseline, 4-6 weeks and 12-18 months follow-up. Default was defined as refusal, delay or discontinuat...