Predictors of quality of life in colorectal cancer patients treated with curative intention

ABSTRACT

This study aims to evaluate predictors of quality of life in patients treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) with curative intention. PATIENT/METHODS: All patients with CRC treated with curative intention were interviewed by telephone using the SF-36 questionnaire.RESULTS/FINDINGS: One hundred and one patients (44 men, 57 women) were included in this study with a mean age of 60.8 years. Sixty-nine patients were treated for rectal cancer and 32 for colon cancer. Of the total, 23 patients had a stoma (22.8%) and 55 (54.5%) reported comorbidities. The means of the SF-36 scales varied between 90 (emotional aspects) and 65 (physical aspects). Presence of comorbidities was a predictor factor of quality of life in six of eight SF-36 scales. The female patients attained lower scores on three scales functional capacity, pain and vitality. Patients age 60 or over attained lower scores on two SF-36 scales functional capacity and social aspects. Patients with a stoma had lower score on limitation due to emotional aspects. We concluded that comorbidities affect the quality of life of individuals with colorectal cancer. Health professionals should be prepared to address not only the limitations caused by cancer and its treatment, but also the limitations caused by chronic diseases.