Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire Validation in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

(1)

Background

The quality of life of cancer patients is not only important for their well-being, but it has great influence on the overall survival and response to therapy, considering the adherence to treatment and follow-up. (2)

Methods

This research is a prospective study conducted over a period of 6 months involving patients admitted in the Department of Surgery II, Cluj County Emergency Clinical Hospital. The specific questionnaire designed by us for patients with colorectal cancer contains questions about the quality of life and symptoms such as weight loss, pain, constipation, and diarrhoea. (3)

Results

Our prospective study included in the analysis 50 patients with colorectal cancer. The CR 29 questionnaire outlined scores below 30 for sore skin, urinary incontinence, dysuria, faecal incontinence, flatulence, discomfort from bowel movement, sexual dysfunction and hair loss. The CR 30 functioning scale depicted high scores for cognitive (100%, 95% CI [0.91-1]), physical (88%, 95% CI [0.75-0.95]), and functional (88%, 95% CI [0.39-0.68]) domains and low scores (<50) for emotional (98%, 95% CI [0.88-0.99]) and social (100%, 95% CI [0.91-1]) functions. (4)

Conclusions

The quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer was influenced by socio-economic status, smoking, surgical procedure, and neoplastic pathology.