Distress in oncology patients: Distress thermometer in a Latin American study

8211 Background: The impact of the psychosocial distress in cancer populations is well known and has been amply studied. In the literature of the last five years many papers have shown that the Distress Thermometer is a valid instrument for the screening and follow up of the psychosocial distress. Research shows that significant levels of distress are found among both hospitalised and ambulatory patients with cancer OBJETIVES: This study is concentrated on: a) The measure of the distress in oncology patients. b) Comparison between diagnosis and levels of distress.Correlation between current state of the illness and level of distress. Methods: We decided to use a Distress Thermometer according to guidelines of the American Society of Psychosocial and Behavioral Oncology/ AIDS, as developed by the Standars of Care and Management of Distress Panel, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, translating it into Spanish. After eight months of work in the Psycho-oncology Commission of the Argentine Association of C...