Health-related quality of life in Slovenian patients with colorectal cancer: a single tertiary care center study

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the surgical treatment on Slovenian colorectal cancer patients’ health-related quality of life and to compare the results to the health-related quality of life of the general Slovenian population. Patients and methods A total of 413 patients with colorectal cancer operated on at the Abdominal Surgery Department at the Ljubljana University Medical Center between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2017 were sent two standardized and validated questionnaires: the EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3 and EORTC QLQ-CR29. The questionnaires were returned by 197 patients. Results Compared to the general population, poorer physical (p < 0.001), role (p = 0.002), cognitive (p = 0.021), and social functioning (p < 0.001) with higher frequency of constipation (p < 0.001), diarrhea (p < 0.001), and financial difficulties (p < 0.001) were reported by the colorectal patients. Female patients reported lower cognitive (p = 0.034) and emotional (p = 0.008) functioning, as well as higher frequency of bloating (p = 0.049) and hair loss (p = 0.01). Compared to the younger group of patients, lower physical functioning (p < 0.001) and higher urinary frequency (p = 0.007), urinary incontinence (p = 0.007), buttock pain (p = 0.007), and anxiety regarding body weight (p = 0.031) were detected among the older group of colorectal patients. Conclusions The global health status of colorectal patients in Slovenia is comparable to that of the general Slovenian population, but there is a significantly lower level in some of the quality-of-life scales.

Validation of the Slovenian version of the low anterior resection syndrome score for rectal cancer patients after surgery

“…In 2015, 388 patients were diagnosed with rectal cancer in Slovenia (1, 2). Slovenian colorectal cancer patients report poorer physical, cognitive and social functioning and other symptoms that occur frequently, such as constipation, diarrhea and financial difficulties (16). However, LARS has not been evaluated in the Slovenian rectal cancer population, as LARSS has not been validated in Slovenian yet.…”

Quality of life of colorectal cancer patients: A literature review

“…Female patients reported lower cognitive (p=0.034) and emotional (p = 0.008) functioning, as well as higher rates of bloating (p = 0.049) and hair loss (p=0.01). Compared with the younger group of patients, lower phys-ical functioning (p<0.001) and higher urinary frequency (p=0.007), urinary incontinence (p=0.007), pain in the buttocks (p=0.007) and anxiety about weight bodies (p=0.031) were found among the older group of CRC patients [9].…”

Influence of concurrent capecitabine based chemoradiotherapy with bevacizumab on the survival rate, late toxicity and health-related quality of life in locally advanced rectal cancer: a prospective phase II CRAB trial

“…These results are consistent with QLQ-C30 scores of Slovenian CRC patients after surgical treatment. 39 However, compared above mentioned items with the general Slovenian population, patients 1 year after treatment report more diarrhea, lower physical and social functioning, but less pain and insomnia. The population-based QOL reference values should be taken into account in the interpretation of disease progress and treatment effects.…”

“…The global health status (mean 68), which refers to the general assessment of the health and quality of life of the last seven days, was similar over time, and also comparable to the Slovenian general (mean 71.1) and CRC patients (mean 68.3). 38 , 39 …”

“…The global health status (mean 68), which refers to the general assessment of the health and qual-ity of life of the last seven days, was similar over time, and also comparable to the Slovenian general (mean 71.1) and CRC patients (mean 68.3). 38,39 The values of social and physical functioning indicated by patients were significantly influenced by the time between diagnosis and 1 year after treatment indicating a high incidence of problems in this area. On the other hand, 1 year after treatment patients reported less pain, insomnia and diarrhea.…”