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Quality of life among disease-free survivors of rectal cancer.
- Source :
-
Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology [J Clin Oncol] 2004 Jan 15; Vol. 22 (2), pp. 354-60. - Publication Year :
- 2004
-
Abstract
- Purpose: To identify factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of disease-free survivors of rectal cancer.<br />Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty-one patients in complete remission more than 2 years after diagnosis were asked to complete three QoL questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30; its colorectal module, QLQ-CR38; and the Duke generic instrument.<br />Results: Patients reported less pain (P =.002) than did controls drawn from the general population. EORTC QLQ-C30 physical scores were also higher among rectal cancer survivors than in the general Norwegian or German population (P =.0005 and P =.002, respectively). Unexpectedly, stoma patients reported better social functioning than did nonstoma patients (P =.005), with less anxiety (P =.008) and higher self-esteem (P =.0002). In the present authors' experience, the QLQ-CR38 does not discriminate between these groups. Residual abdominal or pelvic pain and constipation had the most negative influence on QoL.<br />Conclusion: QoL is high among rectal cancer survivors, including stoma patients. Simultaneous use of several QoL questionnaires appears to have value in follow-up and in monitoring the effects of therapy. The impact of residual pain and constipation on long-term QoL should be considered when establishing a treatment regimen.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0732-183X
- Volume :
- 22
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 14722043
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2004.03.137