Rates of psychiatric illness in patients with cancer: An analysis of a psycho-oncology service

e20731 Background: The diagnosis of cancer represents a major physical and psychological challenge for patients and their families. Psycho-oncology services are limited throughout the country. We assess the service profile of patients assessed between 1/2003 and 6/2008 to determine how the needs of patients have changed. Methods: Case notes from all patients referred by medical oncologists, clinical nurse specialists and/or social workers to the psycho-oncology service were reviewed for the period 7/07 to 6/08. Demographic details, cancer diagnosis and stage, time since diagnosis, psychiatric diagnosis (past/current), and need for psychiatric intervention were collected. This data was compared to a similar review performed from 1/03 to 12/03. Results: 106 patients were psychiatrically assessed during the period 07/08 compared with 63 from 2003, representing a 68% increase in activity. All major cancers were represented. There was a 30% increase in patients assessed with lung cancer (14% in 07/08 vs. 11% i...