Quality of life in newly diagnosed cancer patients waiting for surgery is seriously impaired.
OBJECTIVE
Newly diagnosed cancer patients waiting for initial surgery experience a stressful time. Study objectives were (1) to examine the quality of life (QL) of these patients by comparing QL (a) between the four diagnostic groups included in this study, (b) to the QL of the general population, (2) to determine the factors that contribute most to patients' overall QL.


METHODS
One hundred ninety six patients with lung, periampullary, oesophageal and cervical cancer completed questionnaires on generic QL (SF-36), overall QL, cancer-site specific symptoms (EORTC-modules), anxiety (STAI), health expectations, demographics and comorbidity.


RESULTS
Between diagnostic groups no significant differences were found on generic QL. As compared to the general population, generic QL was impaired on all aspects except bodily pain. Using stepwise regression analysis, 46% of the variance in overall QL was explained with the SF-36 scales vitality (Beta = 0.43) and mental health (Beta = 0.23) being the most important predictors.


CONCLUSIONS
The QL of these patients is seriously impaired. In this stage, not cancer-site specific aspects but fatigue and emotions colour their lives. It is recommended to keep the waiting period brief. In addition, suggestions are offered by which physicians might help their patients in alleviating the distress.
Visser
Mechteld R M
MR
Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van Lanschot
J Jan B
JJ
van der Velden
Jacobus
J
Kloek
Jaap J
JJ
Gouma
Dirk J
DJ
Sprangers
Mirjam A G
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014850:Waiting Lists