Quality of life in gynecologic cancer patients

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2007 Oct-Dec;8(4):591-2.

Abstract

Objective: A descriptive study for evaluating the variables which influence the quality of life was performed in women with gynecologic cancer undergoing various kinds of treatment.

Methods: The study was based on a chart review of 104 women with gynecologic cancer and analyses of their compiled FACT-G (V4); (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General) questionnaires. Patients were assessed before and 3 months after treatment.The relationship of a number of biomedical variables with quality of life outcomes was tested.

Results: The mean age of patients was 50.13 years. The most involved organ was ovary (42.3%).The mean of socio-familial, emotional, functional well-being and overall quality of life 3 months after the treatment were greater than previously. The mean of physical well-being after 3 months of treatment was lower than before that (p<0.05). There were no statistical difference between the mean of overall quality of life before treatment and that 3 months after treatment for variables such as marital status, qualification, job, parity, co-morbidity diseases, organ involved, and stage of cancer (p>0.05).

Conclusions: More studies must utilize quality of life as a primary endpoint. As gynecologic cancers are usually discovered in late stages, strategies for supportive care need to focus on symptom management.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / psychology*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / therapy
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult