Musculoskeletal Health in Adult Haematological Cancer Survivors

Musculoskeletal Health in Adult Haematoloigcal Cancer Survivors - a Mixed Methods Study

Haematological cancer treatment often includes use of high dose glucocorticoids (steroids), chemotherapy and radiotherapy and current evidence suggests that these patients may have lower bone mineral density after treatment when compared to the general population which can predispose them to increased risk of fragility fractures. Evidence of the impact of these musculoskeletal burden to patients (e.g. quality of life) are not available.

This study aims to describe musculoskeletal complications experienced by long-term haematological cancer survivors and examine the impact of the burden from the patient perspective. The study will be conducted in 2 parts; a questionnaire study and an interview study to help understand the extent of musculoskeletal problems experienced by this group of patients and the impact of this on quality of life.

Questionnaire study

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or above at diagnosis of haematological cancer
2. Diagnosis of haematological cancers: lymphoma or leukaemia
3. Cancer survivors as recorded in the local database of lymphoma and haematopoietic stem cell transplant database
4. Able to give written informed consent
5. Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

1.Currently receiving any active cancer treatment

Interview study

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or above at diagnosis of haematological cancer
2. Diagnosis of haematological cancers: lymphoma or leukaemia
3. Cancer survivors as recorded in the local database of lymphoma and haematopoietic stem cell transplant database
4. Able to give written or verbal informed consent
5. Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

1 .Currently receiving any active cancer treatment