Efectos del tipo de tratamiento y grupo de riesgo en la calidad de vida y la información en pacientes con cáncer de próstata

Abstract

Objective: to determine the differences in the quality of life and the information of the patients with prostate cancer according to the treatment and the risk group, and assess its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables. Method: Between 2015-2016, 176 men with prostate cancer, selected at random, who had received local treatments, hormonal or combined, were evaluated through interviews and the questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-PR25 and EORTC QLQ-INFO25. Results: The quality of life was more damaged on the physical, role, social and sexual scales in the advanced risk group and those treated with hormone therapy. The prostatectomy was producing more urinary problems, and the combined treatments, more hormonal symptoms. Those treated with radiation therapy considered the information more useful and felt more informed about the disease, medical tests and treatments than those receiving hormonal treatment, and they were more satisfied than those treated with prostatectomy. The elderly or those with basic studies received less information and considered it was less useful. Conclusions: The quality of life is satisfactory and the symptomatology is low. Men at advanced risk and/or those who receive hormone therapy have a higher deficit in their quality of life. The information is deficient, especially in men with urinary problems and those with worse quality of life. There is little or no information in the “other services”, “places of care” and “self-care guide”. It is necessary to evaluate and treat the most vulnerable men. In addition, it would be desirable to introduce a system of training on information for medical professionals.