60 Percent Of Cancer Patients Were Not Aware Of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism Risk – Survey

60 percent of cancer patients were not aware of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism risk according to a new preliminary cancer patient survey published in JTH.

In a new paper published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasias (JTH), world-renowned hematologists and medical experts, including World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee members, led a study that surveyed cancer patients across 27 countries in 14 languages to ask their understanding of a common risk in cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAT).

“Blood clots (venous thromboembolism) are common in cancer patients. We wanted to know how well patients with cancer were informed of their risks and what symptoms to look out for,” said Professor Beverley Hunt, MD, OBE and chair of the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee. “We were shocked to find that over 60 percent of the cancer patients that participated in the study hadn’t received any information at all about the signs, symptoms, and risks so that if they developed a clot, it would be detected early and there would be less harmful. Due to these findings, we are urging healthcare professionals around the world to improve the education and awareness of cancer-associated blood clots to reduce the burden.”

The paper titled, “Awareness of Venous Thromboembolism among Patients with Cancer: Preliminary Findings from a Global Initiative for World Thrombosis Day,” found that CAT education, communication and awareness among the general cancer population is minimal. As of September 20, 2022, 749 participants from 27 countries completed the survey. Overall, 61.8 percent (460) of responders were not aware of their risk of CAT. Among those who received information on CAT, 26.2 percent (56) were informed only at the time of CAT diagnosis.

Over two-thirds (69.1 percent; 501) of participants did not receive education on signs and symptoms of venous thromboembolism (VTE); among those who were educated about the possible clinical manifestations, 58.9 percent (119) were given instructions to seek consultation in case of VTE suspicion. 30.9 percent (224) had a chance to discuss the potential use of prevention with healthcare providers. 58.7 percent (309) were unaware of the risks of bleeding associated with anticoagulation, despite being involved into anticoagulant-related discussions or exposed to anticoagulants. Most responders (85 percent, 612) valued receiving CAT education as highly relevant, however, 51.7 percent (375) expressed concerns about insufficient time spent and clarity of education received.

World Thrombosis Day wishes to increase understanding of CAT among patients and healthcare providers to prevent this problem, if CAT occurs, and to ensure early diagnosis. When patients understand the signs and symptoms, they can present it early and get the treatment they need.

To read the full article, visit https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jth.15902.

About The Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (JTH)

ISTH’s flagship publication, the JTH has been a leading resource in the field for 20 years. Its authors, reviewers and editors volunteer their time and expertise to contribute and disseminate important scientific information to the international research community with a hybrid subscription-based model. Led by co-editors, David Lillicrap, MD and James Morrissey, PhD, the journal has steadily increased its Impact Factor from 4.157 in 2019, to 5.824 in 2020 and is now at a historic high of 16.036 for 2022. JTH also ranked fifth overall in the Hematology subject category and ranked third in the Peripheral Vascular Disease category. The JTH publishes high-quality, original research reports; state-of-the-art reviews; letters and announcements; and invited commentaries and debates on timely topics. For more information about the JTH, visit https://www.isth.org/page/JTH.

About the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

Founded in 1969, the ISTH is the leading worldwide not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions related to thrombosis and hemostasis. ISTH is an international medical-scientific professional membership organization with more than 7,500 clinicians, researchers, and educators working together to improve the lives of patients in more than 110 countries around the world. Among its highly regarded activities and initiatives are education and standardization programs, research activities, meetings and congresses, peer-reviewed publications, expert committees, and World Thrombosis Day on 13 October. Visit ISTH online at www.isth.org.