J Gynecol Oncol.  2011 Jun;22(2):103-109. 10.3802/jgo.2011.22.2.103.

Quality of life in gynecologic cancer survivors compared to healthy check-up women

• Wilailak S
• Lertkhachonsuk Aa
• Lohacharoenvanich N
• Luengsukcharoen SC
• Jirajaras
• Likitanasombat P
• Sirilerttrakul S

• KMID: 2288574
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2011.22.2.103

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to compare quality of life of disease-free patients after therapy for gynecologic malignancies at follow-up in comparison with healthy check-up patients. Our second objective was to assess correlation between demographic data, disease and treatment factors and quality of life scores.
METHODS
Patients completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) quality of life questionnaire at least 6 months after treatment for a gynecologic malignancy. Responses were compared to unmatched healthy women who were seen for standard gynecologic screening examinations. Statistical calculation was done using chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis and Spearman rank correlations. Factors associated with FACT-G scores were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS
Eight hundred and seventy patients were recruited. The median time since therapy was 61 months (range, 6 to 173 months). The overall FACT-G scores were higher in the patient group than in the healthy group (p<0.05). The scores of each subscale measuring physical, functional, social/family and emotional well-being were also higher in the patient group (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed correlation between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, educational level, care giver, presence of economic problems and FACT-G scores.
CONCLUSION
The quality of life scores were higher in gynecologic cancer patients after treatment. And the factors that associated with the higher score in the patient group are having husband as a caregiver, no financial problem, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score 0 or 1 and having high school or higher education.

Keyword

Quality of life; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General; Gynecologic cancer

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Educational Status
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Mass Screening
Multivariate Analysis
Quality of Life
Spouses
Survivors
Surveys and Questionnaires

Reference

1. Cella DF. Measuring quality of life in palliative care. Semin Oncol. 1995. 22:2 Suppl 3. 73–81.

2. Kornblith A, Holland JC, editors. Handbook of measures for psychological, social and physical function in cancer. Vol. 1. Quality of life. 1994. New York: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

3. Cella DF, Tulsky DS, Gray G, Sarafian B, Linn E, Bonomi A, et al. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale: development and validation of the general measure. J Clin Oncol. 1993. 11:570–579.

4. Ratanatharathorn V, Sirilerttrakul S, Jirajarus M, Silpakit C, Maneechavakajorn J, Sailamai P, et al. Quality of life, functional assessment of cancer therapy-general. J Med Assoc Thai. 2001. 84:1430–1442.

5. Cheson BD, McCabe MS, Phillips PH. Clinical trials. Referral resource. Clinical trials assessing quality of life. Oncology (Williston Park). 1995. 9:1171–1174. 11761178

6. Miller BE, Pittman B, Case D, McQuellon RP. Quality of life after treatment for gynecologic malignancies: a pilot study in an outpatient clinic. Gynecol Oncol. 2002. 87:178–184.

7. Chan YM, Ngan HY, Li BY, Yip AM, Ng TY, Lee PW, et al. A longitudinal study on quality of life after gynecologic cancer treatment. Gynecol Oncol. 2001. 83:10–19.

8. Lutgendorf SK, Anderson B, Ullrich P, Johnsen EL, Buller RE, Sood AK, et al. Quality of life and mood in women with gynecologic cancer: a one year prospective study. Cancer. 2002. 94:131–140.

9. Tahmasebi M, Yarandi F, Eftekhar Z, Montazeri A, Namazi H. Quality of life in gynecologic cancer patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2007. 8:591–592.

10. Awadalla AW, Ohaeri JU, Gholoum A, Khalid AO, Hamad HM, Jacob A. Factors associated with quality of life of outpatients with breast cancer and gynecologic cancers and their family caregivers: a controlled study. BMC Cancer. 2007. 7:102.

11. Carver CS, Scheier MF. Scaling back goals and recalibration of the affect system are processes in normal adaptive self-regulation: understanding 'response shift' phenomena. Soc Sci Med. 2000. 50:1715–1722.

12. Greimel E, Thiel I, Peintinger F, Cegnar I, Pongratz E. Prospective assessment of quality of life of female cancer patients. Gynecol Oncol. 2002. 85:140–147.

13. von Gruenigen VE, Frasure HE, Jenison EL, Hopkins MP, Gil KM. Longitudinal assessment of quality of life and lifestyle in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients: the roles of surgery and chemotherapy. Gynecol Oncol. 2006. 103:120–126.

14. Erekson EA, Sung VW, DiSilvestro PA, Myers DL. Urinary symptoms and impact on quality of life in women after treatment for endometrial cancer. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2009. 20:159–163.

15. Lai BP, Tang CS, Chung TK. Age-specific correlates of quality of life in Chinese women with cervical cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2009. 17:271–278.

16. Wu AW. Quality-of-life assessment in clinical research: application in diverse populations. Med Care. 2000. 38:9 Suppl. II130–II135.

17. Cella DF, Orav EJ, Kornblith AB, Holland JC, Silberfarb PM, Lee KW, et al. Socioeconomic status and cancer survival. J Clin Oncol. 1991. 9:1500–1509.

18. Gustavsson-Lilius M, Julkunen J, Hietanen P. Quality of life in cancer patients: the role of optimism, hopelessness, and partner support. Qual Life Res. 2007. 16:75–87.