Transition of Symptoms and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to assess changes in pain, fatigue, anorexia, anxiety and quality of life (QOL) in patients with cancer who were on chemotherapy. Methods: Symptoms and QOL were examined both before chemotherapy and after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. The participants were 76 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in one of 7 hospitals. Results: The patients experienced a mean of 2.22-2.23 symptoms out of 4 symptoms. Patients who were female, or suffered from breast or colorectal cancer experienced more symptoms. Fatigue at present, and most severe fatigue and anorexia in the previous 3 weeks increased significantly. Anxiety and QOL decreased significantly after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Number of symptoms, anorexia at present, most severe anorexia in past 3 weeks, and anxiety had negative correlations. QOL before chemotherapy showed a positive correlation with QOL after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. In a regression analysis, anxiety, QOL at baseline, income, and the most severe pain in the past 3 weeks were significant predictors of QOL. Conclusion: Physical and psychological factors were significant predictors of both QOL and each subscale, and these factors correlated with each other. These results demonstrate the needs for early assessment and intervention from the start of chemotherapy to decrease symptoms and improve QOL.

A prospective exploration of symptom burden clusters in women with breast cancer during chemotherapy treatment

“…It is of vital importance to understand how symptoms interrelate in order to be able to implement effective interventions targeted at the related symptoms for maximal effect to minimise symptom burden for patients during treatment. Alleviating one single symptom seldom makes much clinical difference for the patient [13]. …”

“…The gastrointestinal-fatigue and pain symptom clusters have been shown to affect functional status and overall aspects of quality of life in breast cancer patients [13]. …”

Pain as a determinant of the emotional state of women after radical cancer surgery and chemotherapy

“…This might be explained by the effects of chemotherapy. As demonstrated by research, chemotherapy lasting for several months and causing typical early and delayed adverse effects induces a significantly higher level of negative emotional reactions in patients [21][22][23].…”

Impact of Bowel Function, Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life in Patients with Sphincter-preserving Resection for Rectal Cancer

“…그러므로 대변조절능력의 저하로 경험하는 배변장애로 인해 장루가 없는 직장암 환자가 겪는 불안은 이들의 삶의 질을 저해하는 요인으로 선행 연구에서도 불안이 삶의 질과 강한 음의 상관관계를 보였으며 [11], 우울정도가 삶의 질과 유의한 관련이 있는 것으로 나 타났다 [12].…”