Quality of Life in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer—A Literature Review

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is the malignant disease with the highest mortality rate, and it ranks third in the world after lung and colon cancer. Identified factors that increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer include chronic pancreatitis, radiation therapy to the pancreatic area due to another cancer, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, and age. The objective of this study was to present the current state of knowledge on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, factors that determine QoL, and ways of coping with the disease. The low curability and low survival rates of pancreatic cancer significantly affect the quality of life of patients, often in the form of significant deterioration, especially in terms of mental changes, cognitive functions, and coping with the disease. Cognitive decline with comorbid depression is also typical for patients with this type of cancer. Research has shown that the health-related quality of life of patients with pancreatic cancer is low, so further research is needed to improve the situation in this area.

Iron Citrate (Synthesit) Supplementation During Pancreas Cancer Showed Surprising Results – Case Study

“…Pancreatic cancer's poor prognosis profoundly impacts patients' quality of life, leading to substantial deterioration, including mental changes, cognitive decline, and coping with the disease. Comorbid depression is common and overall health-related quality of life is notably low (7).…”

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“…Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for the majority (90%) of pancreatic neoplasms, and the other subtypes include periampullary and neuroendocrine tumours. The low survival rates of pancreatic cancer significantly affect the quality of life of patients, often with significant deterioration in terms of cognitive functions and mental changes [ 3 ].…”