European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Routine screening for distress is internationally recommended as a standard of
care among cancer patients. This study was conducted to assess the level of stress and
determine the association between quality of life (QOL) with demographic, socio-economic
status, treatment phase, cancer stage.
Aim: To assess the psychosocial issues in treatment interruptions, quality of life in cancer
patients and their attendants.
Materials and methods:Prospective Observational study done inMNJ Institute Of Oncology
and Regional Cancer Centre, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad from July 2018 to June
2020. Biopsy proven cancer patients of head and neck, cervix and breast visiting OPD. The
target population were interviewed using preselected questionnaires. The EORTC quality of
life questionnaire (QLQ) is an integrated system for assessing the health related quality of life
(QOL) of cancer patients. The core questionnaire, the QLQ – C30, is the product of more
than a decade of collaborative research.
Results: Patients with head & neck, cervical, and breast cancer had a significantly better
quality of life two months following treatment than they did throughout treatment. When
compared to caregivers of breast and cervical cancer patients, caregivers of head and neck
cancer patients had a lower quality of life. In comparison to before therapy, carers' quality of
life was poor towards the completion of treatment. Young and male carers were found to be
more burdened and disruptive. Interruptions in patient treatment were linked to caregivers'
increased strain and disruptiveness.
Conclusion: When compared to patients with cervical and breast cancer, people with head
and neck cancer had a lower quality of life. Interruptions in patient treatment were linked to
caregivers' increased strain and disruptiveness.