The diagnosis of cancer can be a major trigger for new sleep problems, especially insomnia, in people who did not have sleep issues before. Insomnia may appear early in the care pathway and can continue over time, often interacting with other physical or emotional symptoms. The main goal of this preliminary study is to describe how insomnia develops during the first months after a cancer diagnosis in patients who had no sleep problems at the time of diagnosis. This will be done through regular follow-up over time. A secondary aim is to identify the factors that may contribute to the onset or persistence of insomnia, such as the cancer treatments patients receive, as well as any medical or non-medical therapies used to manage sleep difficulties. The study will also look at whether patients who develop sleep problems are referred to psychologists trained in specific therapies for insomnia, and how well they follow and adhere to these treatments.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
260
12 boulevard du Dr Chantemesse
Le Puy-en-Velay, France
RECRUITINGThe primary objective is to characterize the evolution, severity, and incidence of insomnia in patients newly diagnosed with cancer
The primary objective of this longitudinal study is to diagnose insomnia and track its evolution and severity in patients newly diagnosed with cancer over the first year after diagnosis. Two validated questionnaires will be repeatedly administered: the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The SCI, based on DSM-5 criteria, identifies probable clinical insomnia by assessing symptom frequency, duration (difficulty falling asleep, night awakenings, early awakening), and functional impact. The ISI is a 7-item questionnaire evaluating perceived sleep difficulties over the past two weeks, including sleep initiation, maintenance, early awakening, daytime functioning, and distress. Total scores classify insomnia as absent, subclinical, moderate, or severe.
Time frame: over a 12-month period
The secondary objective is to characterize the sleep quality in patients newly diagnosed with cancer.
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a validated 19-item self-report questionnaire assessing overall sleep quality and identifying sleep problems. A total score ≤5 indicates good sleep, while a score \>5 reflects poor sleep quality, with high sensitivity and specificity. Using the results from all study participants, the overall prevalence of sleep disturbances will be calculated.
Time frame: over a 12-month period
The secondary objective is to characterize cancer-related pain in patients newly diagnosed with cancer.
Pain perception and its impact on daily functioning will be assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). This validated questionnaire evaluates how pain affects seven aspects of a patient's life: activity, mood, walking ability, work, relationships, sleep, and enjoyment of life.
Time frame: over a 12-month period
The secondary objective is to characterize cancer-related anxiety/depression in patients newly diagnosed with cancer.
Patient anxiety and depression will be assessed using the validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Each subscale (anxiety and depression) is scored separately: ≤7 indicates no symptoms, 8-10 suggests borderline symptoms, and ≥11 reflects definite symptoms.
Time frame: over 12-months period
The secondary objective is to characterize cancer-related quality of life in patients newly diagnosed with cancer.
The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a validated questionnaire designed to assess health-related quality of life in cancer patients, regardless of tumor site. It includes 30 items covering five functional scales (physical, role, emotional, cognitive, social), three symptom scales (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting), a global quality of life scale, and additional symptoms common in oncology (dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, financial difficulties). Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale, except for global quality of life, rated 1-7. It is widely used in clinical and epidemiological studies. This questionnaire will be used to assess the cancer-related quality of life.
Time frame: over 12-months period
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