Health-related quality of life during the last three months of life in patients with advanced cancer
Author
Summary, in English
The aim of the study was to explore the development of functioning impairments and symptom occurrence during the last months of life of advanced cancer patients. Self-reported data from 116 patients who all completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) at 3, 2 and 1 month before death were analysed. All functioning aspects deteriorated. For physical, cognitive and social function, the most marked changes occurred between 2 and 1 month before death. The proportion reporting serious difficulties with self-care activities increased from 14% to 43%. The most seriously affected activity could not be distinguished from the EORTC QLQ-C30 scores. Levels of fatigue, dyspnoea and appetite loss increased significantly. More than 50% of the patients had severe pain at all assessments, and only a minor number (8%) reported any improvement. The findings have implications for the planning of care and indicate that further research is required to improve assessment, treatment and follow-up procedures. Adequate pain treatment seems still to be a challenge. Anorexia, fatigue as well as dyspnoea are all symptoms that need further focus.
Department/s
Publishing year
2009
Language
English
Pages
191-198
Publication/Series
Supportive Care in Cancer
Volume
17
Issue
2
Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Springer
Topic
- Cancer and Oncology
Keywords
- Self-assessment questionnaires
- Cancer
- EORTC QLQ-C30
- Palliative care
- Health-related quality of life
- End of life
Status
Published
Research group
- Laryngoesophagology, Allergy and Life Quality
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0941-4355