Assessment of socio-economic, physical and mental health status of long-term cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Long-term survival rates formany types of cancer have substantially improved in past decades. In order to improve follow-up and comprehensive care of this population a specificmedical office was started up three years ago at our institution. This is the health and socio-economic analysis of the long-term cancer survivors in our area. Method(s): A 54-itemquestionnaire was developed based on QLACS (Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors) and SF-36 Health Survey. 347 patients completed the questionnaire from January 2015 to December 2016. A medical questionnarie (63-item) was also completed for each patient by oncologists responsible for the medical office. The information was collected in a database and processed with SPSS 18. Result(s): Median age at the time of diagnosis was 56.8 years and median time from cancer diagnosis to questionnarie completion was 7.1 years. 53.9% were women and 46.1%men. At the time of diagnosis 72%weremarried/committed relationship, 27.9%had university studies and 32.8% were retired. 35.4%had hipercolesterolemia and 3.2%anxiety/depression syndrome. Colon and breast carcinomas accounted for 49.9%of all cases and 67.1% were diagnosed in stages I and II. 91.8% underwent surgery, 59.6% received chemotherapy and 32.3% radiotherapy. After the diagnosis and treatment of cancer relationship status of patients scarcely changed, 19.9% more of the patients retired, 17.9% of those who kept their employment status decreased their income, though only 9 patients reduced their working hours.Despite 24.3%made healthy dietary modifications, 25.4%gained al least 5 kg over their recommended weight and the anual incidence rate of hipercolesterolemia was 5.8%. 34.9% patientsmore had anxiety/depression syndrome and 68.9% reduced their sexual activity with significant differences between colon and breast cancer (OR:3.3; p=0.007). 78.7% were satisfied with the information received by their oncologist about their cancer. Conclusion(s): Long-term cancer survivors are patiens with major health and socio-economic issues who need a multidisciplinaty follow-up. Despite their median age, more than half had cardiovascular risk factors, sexual difficulties or were retired and more than one-third had anxiety/depression syndrome.