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Quality of life in newly diagnosed cancer patients waiting for surgery is seriously impaired
Author(s) -
Visser Mechteld R.M.,
van Lanschot J. Jan B.,
van der Velden Jacobus,
Kloek Jaap J.,
Gouma Dirk J.,
Sprangers Mirjam A.G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.20552
Subject(s) - medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , anxiety , population , distress , comorbidity , cancer , lung cancer , vitality , demographics , survivorship curve , stepwise regression , mental health , physical therapy , surgery , clinical psychology , demography , psychiatry , philosophy , nursing , environmental health , theology , sociology
Abstract Background and Objectives Newly diagnosed cancer patients waiting for initial surgery experience a stressful time. Study objectives were (1) to examine the quality of life (QL) of these patients by comparing QL (a) between the four diagnostic groups included in this study, (b) to the QL of the general population, (2) to determine the factors that contribute most to patients' overall QL. Methods One hundred ninety six patients with lung, periampullary, oesophageal and cervical cancer completed questionnaires on generic QL (SF‐36), overall QL, cancer‐site specific symptoms (EORTC‐modules), anxiety (STAI), health expectations, demographics and comorbidity. Results Between diagnostic groups no significant differences were found on generic QL. As compared to the general population, generic QL was impaired on all aspects except bodily pain. Using stepwise regression analysis, 46% of the variance in overall QL was explained with the SF‐36 scales vitality (Beta = 0.43) and mental health (Beta = 0.23) being the most important predictors. Conclusions The QL of these patients is seriously impaired. In this stage, not cancer‐site specific aspects but fatigue and emotions colour their lives. It is recommended to keep the waiting period brief. In addition, suggestions are offered by which physicians might help their patients in alleviating the distress. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:571–577. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.