(P 217) PATIENT QUESTIONNAIRE EXPLORING THE PRE-SARCOMA DIAGNOSIS CHARACTERISTICS OF SARCOMA PATIENTS

Objective: This study explores the etiology of sarcoma by examining both patient-perceived causes and objective risk factors such as family history of cancer and substance use. By surveying patients about their beliefs and comparing them with established risk factors, the study aims to identify common perceptions, misconceptions, and shared experiences. Findings may inform patient-provider communication and guide future research integrating clinical data with patient-reported insights.

Methods: Self-reported data were collected from sarcoma patients at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center via a voluntary 75-question survey in English or Spanish. The survey addressed perceived causes, as well as social, personal, and family medical histories, and responses were recorded in the electronic medical record. Clinical data, including sarcoma subtype, age at diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment timelines, were extracted from charts and entered into REDCap. Data were analyzed using R to examine associations between exposures (e.g., environmental, lifestyle, familial factors) and outcomes.

Results: Preliminary survey data were collected from 186 adult sarcoma patients with diverse subtypes. 64.5% reported a family history of cancer, but only 2.2% attributed their diagnosis to genetic predisposition. Other perceived causes included stress (4.3%), bad luck (1.6%), alcohol use (7.3%), and environmental exposures (11.3%) such as sun, pollutants, and chemicals. Frequency trends were visualized using bar graphs. Survey responses are being integrated with our existing retrospective chart review pipeline to link responses to patient treatments and outcomes.

Conclusion: This study reveals discrepancies between patient-perceived and established risk factors for sarcoma, highlighting the need for improved education and provider communication to address misconceptions and guide care.