Quality of life and symptoms in patients with malignant diseases admitted to a comprehensive cancer centre

Lene Annette Sand Strömgren, Carsten Utoft Niemann, Ulla Brix Tange, Hanne Farholt, Nan M Sonne, Lena Ankersen, Lisbet Kristensen, Lisbeth Bendixen, Mogens Groenvold, Morten Aagaard Petersen, Mie Nordly, Lona Christrup, Per Sjøgren, Geana Paula Kurita

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Quality of life and symptomatology in patients with malignancies admitted to comprehensive cancer centres are rarely investigated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate symptomatology and health-related quality of life of inpatients with cancer.

METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on two occasions 5 weeks apart in haematology and oncology departments at a comprehensive cancer centre. Assessment included demographic data, WHO performance status (PS), EORTC QLQ-C30 and pain scales of brief pain inventory. Comparisons were analysed using Wilcoxon two-sample test, rank tests and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four patients were analysed, mean age = 59 years (SD = 13.7), 42 % admitted to haematological department; lung cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (15 %). Low health-related quality of life and severe symptom burden, especially fatigue and appetite loss, were observed among the inpatients. In addition, role and social functions appeared to be more impaired in haematology patients than in those admitted to oncology (P = 0.0372 and 0.0167, respectively). On the other hand, pain and constipation were more severely affected in oncology patients (P = 0.0194 and 0.0064, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the wards of haematology and oncology had pronounced symptomatology and low quality of life. A more systematic focus on the amelioration of problems with functioning and symptoms among inpatients with malignant diseases is warranted.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume22
Issue number7
Pages (from-to)1843-9
Number of pages7
ISSN0941-4355
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2014

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