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    Imaging, QoL and Patient-Reported Outcome and Supportive Care

    Category: Imaging, QoL and Patient-Reported Outcome and Supportive Care

    Post-Traumatic Growth, Flourishing, and Spiritual Practice Among Adults with Blood Cancer: A Patient-Reported Wellbeing Cross-Sectional Study

    (PA-126) Post-Traumatic Growth, Flourishing, and Spiritual Practice Among Adults with Blood Cancer: A Patient-Reported Wellbeing Cross-Sectional Study

    Thursday, September 18, 2025
    Introduction: A diagnosis of blood cancer can affect emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing alongside physical health. Some patients describe post-traumatic growth (PTG), meaning personal development such as greater appreciation for life or stronger relationships after serious illness. Others report flourishing, a broad sense of wellbeing across life satisfaction, purpose, emotional stability, and connectedness. This study evaluated PTG, flourishing, and spiritual or religious practices among adults with blood cancer using validated patient-reported measures.

    Methods: Adults (≥18 years) with self-reported blood cancer or precursor conditions enrolled in the HealthTree Cure Hub registry completed a cross-sectional survey. Instruments included the 10-item Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory–Short Form (PTGI-SF), 10-item Flourishing Index, and items on belief in a higher power and frequency of private spiritual or religious practices. Descriptive and exploratory statistical analyses were conducted.

    Results: Among 624 respondents (mean age 67.3±9.2 years; 59% female), 469 (75.2%) completed the survey. 87% reported being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, 6% CLL, 4% MDS, and 3% other blood cancers. PTG indicators were common: 79% reported increased appreciation for life, 76% noted shifts in priorities, and 64% reported stronger relationships and improved coping. The average Flourishing Index score was 72.3±12.3 (out of 100). Highest domain scores included: purpose (7.6±1.7), mental health (7.4±1.8), satisfaction (7.2±1.9), happiness (7.1±2.0); physical health was lower (6.3±2.2). Most (n=421; 83%) stated their life feels worthwhile.  Belief in a god or a higher power was reported by 79% (n=376); 63% (n=305) engaged in private religious/spiritual practice at least monthly. Among those who believed in God (n=383), 65% described the relationship as warm and supportive. Women scored higher on total flourishing (73.1±12.1) than men (70.4±12.6), a significant difference (p=0.03). No differences were found across age quartiles (p=0.27).

    Conclusions: In this large national registry sample, a substantial proportion of adults with blood cancer reported indicators of psychological growth and meaningful engagement with life, despite serious illness related distress. These results reinforce that wellbeing and distress can coexist, and that many patients experience purpose, emotional strength, and connection. Spiritual belief and practice emerged as relevant supports, and meaningful dimensions of patient experience. Incorporating structured psychosocial and spiritual assessments into care may better support the emotional and existential needs of patients throughout their cancer journey. Further research should examine how these self-reported outcomes relate to clinical stage, treatment decisions, and survivorship.