Quality of life trajectories after diagnosis of gynecologic cancer: a theoretically based approach

Abstract

Purpose The course of quality of life after diagnosis of gynecologic cancer is not well understood. We aimed to identify subgroups of gynecologic cancer patients with distinct trajectories of quality of life outcomes in the 18-month period after diagnosis. We also aimed to determine whether these subgroups could be distinguished by predictors derived from Social-Cognitive Processing Theory. Methods Gynecologic cancer patients randomized to usual care as part of a psychological intervention trial (NCT01951807) reported on depressed mood, quality of life, and physical impairment soon after diagnosis and at five additional assessments ending 18 months after baseline. Clinical, demographic, and psychosocial predictors were assessed at baseline, and additional clinical factors were assessed between 6–18 months after baseline. Results A two-group growth mixture model provided the best and most interpretable fit to the data for all three outcomes. One class revealed subclinical and improving scores for mood, quality of life, and physical function across 18 months. A second class represented approximately 12% of patients with persisting depression, diminished quality of life, and greater physical disability. Membership of this high-risk subgroup was associated with holding back concerns, more intrusive thoughts, and use of pain medications at the baseline assessment (ps < .05). Conclusions Trajectories of quality of life outcomes were identified in the 18-month period after diagnosis of gynecologic cancer. Potentially modifiable psychosocial risk factors were identified that can have implications for preventing quality of life disruptions and treating impaired quality of life in future research.

Acceptance, social support, benefit-finding, and depression in women with gynecological cancer

“…Benefit finding was assessed via the 17-item Benefit Finding Scale [41, 42], which was employed in prior studies of gynecological cancer patients[43, 44]. Participants were asked to rate how much statements applied to them (1 = not at all , 5 = extremely ).…”

“…Higher scores indicated more severe depressive symptoms. This scale has been utilized to assess depressive symptoms in gynecological cancer patients in prior studies [35, 44]. Internal consistency was .84.…”

Physical Therapy in Patients with Cancer

“…Weakness of pelvic loor muscles, decline in ADL, dizziness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, depression are the symptoms present in a substantial majority of patients during or after their initial treatment (surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) [30]. Lower extremity weakness often occurs in gynecologic cancer patients; thus, locomotion disability is common [31].…”

Physical Therapy in Patients with Cancer

“…Weakness of pelvic floor muscles, decline in ADL, dizziness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, depression are the symptoms present in a substantial majority of patients during or after their initial treatment (surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) [30]. Lower extremity weakness often occurs in gynecologic cancer patients; thus, locomotion disability is common [31].…”