Quality of life in survivors of adult haematological malignancy

Abstract

Background Survivors of haematological malignancies endure long‐term effects of both treatment and disease. This paper examines factors that influence their quality of life through reporting on the results of a survey. Methods Survey using previously validated quality of life questionnaires for use in cancer management. Participants were adults aged 18 and over who had completed treatment for a haematological malignancy and were between 1 and 5 years post‐treatment. Findings A total of 131 participants, median age of 66, completed questionnaires (66% response rate). Significant associations were found between age, global quality of life, physical and role functioning. Men reported better physical functioning and lower symptom scores than women. Employed participants reported better quality of life. Increasing age was associated with lowest quality of life. Best role functioning was also noted in participants who lived beyond 2.5 years following treatment completion. The survey suggested a gender difference with men reporting better physical functioning, fewer symptoms of pain and less loss of sleep compared with women. Conclusion This study contributes to the underdeveloped area of care for and research into adult haematological cancer survivors. Knowledge and understanding of the factors that affect the quality of life of such adults may provide an insight into implementation measures.

Kanser Ağrısı: İnternetteki Bilgilendirme Metinlerinin Okunabilirlik, İçerik ve Kalite Açısından Analizi

“…1 Cancer pain causes fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, mood changes, limitations in daily activities, and problems in one's social life and family relationships. 2 Cancer pain is also associated with depression and anxiety. 3 Kugbey et al showed that depression and anxiety levels decrease, and quality of life increases as a result of a patient's access to health information.…”

Experiences with health care and health-related quality of life of patients with hematologic malignancies in Mexico

“…Previous research has assessed only the association between demographic and clinical characteristics and HRQL of patients with hematologic malignancies, showing that patients who are women; employed; lacking in social support; at advanced stages or higher risk; or who are experiencing treatment side effects, anxiety, or depression have higher likelihood of lower HRQL [23][24][25].…”

The role of physical, cognitive and social factors in pain interference with activities of daily living among individuals with chronic cancer pain

“…Given that chronic pain can have a considerable impact on an individual's physical and psychological function and quality of life (Miladinia, Baraz, Ramezani, & Malehi, ; Inmanuel et al, ), a better understanding of the factors involved in the experience of chronic pain in individuals with cancer would enable the development of better and more specific interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to increase our understanding of the physical, cognitive and social factors that are associated with pain interference with activities of daily living in individuals with cancer and chronic pain.…”

“…Research has shown that chronic pain can seriously undermine a person's quality of life as it interferes with daily activities, increases fatigue and loss of appetite, disrupts sleep and mood, and negatively influences social and family relationships (Inmanuel, Hunt, McCarthy, van Teijlingen, & Sheppard ). In addition, chronic pain has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression (Tomé‐Pires et al, ) and even suicide (Racine et al, ).…”