The association of bowel function, participation in life activities, and quality of life in rectal cancer survivors

Purpose To identify factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of disease-free survivors of rectal cancer. Patients and Methods One hundred twenty-one patients in complete remission more than 2 years after diagnosis were asked to complete three QoL questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30; its colorectal module, QLQ-CR38; and the Duke generic instrument. Results Patients reported less pain (P = .002) than did controls drawn from the general population. EORTC QLQ-C30 physical scores were also higher among rectal cancer survivors than in the general Norwegian or German population (P = .0005 and P = .002, respectively). Unexpectedly, stoma patients reported better social functioning than did nonstoma patients (P = .005), with less anxiety (P = .008) and higher self-esteem (P = .0002). In the present authors' experience, the QLQ-CR38 does not discriminate between these groups. Residual abdominal or pelvic pain and constipation had the most negative influence on QoL. Conclusion QoL is high among rectal cancer survivors, including stoma patients. Simultaneous use of several QoL questionnaires appears to have value in follow-up and in monitoring the effects of therapy. The impact of residual pain and constipation on long-term QoL should be considered when establishing a treatment regimen.

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Evaluation of Post-operative Bowel Function, Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction for Rectal Cancer-Is Coloplasty Useful for Low Rectal Cancer?-

Nippon Daicho Komonbyo Gakkai Zasshi ◽

10.3862/jcoloproctology.62.7 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 7-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Seiji Ohigashi ◽

Yoshinori Hoshino ◽

Akinori Suzuki ◽

Toshihisa Iwabuchi ◽

Hisashi Onodera

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rectal Cancer ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Bowel Function ◽

Low Rectal Cancer

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Colonic J-Pouch or Straight Colorectal Reconstruction After Low Anterior Resection For Rectal Cancer: Impact on Quality of Life and Bowel Function: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Study

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum ◽

10.1097/dcr.0000000000001745 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (11) ◽

pp. 1511-1523

Author(s):

Teresa Gavaruzzi ◽

Ugo Pace ◽

Francesca Giandomenico ◽

Salvatore Pucciarelli ◽

Francesco Bianco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rectal Cancer ◽

Anterior Resection ◽

Low Anterior Resection ◽

Randomized Study ◽

Bowel Function ◽

Prospective Randomized Study ◽

J Pouch

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Quality of life during rehabilitation: Rectal cancer patient and partner experiences with altered bowel function.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2011.29.4_suppl.468 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 468-468

Author(s):

J. Boucher ◽

B. Piperdi ◽

D. Lundquist

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rectal Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Rectal Cancer Patient ◽

Bowel Function ◽

Well Being ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

468 Background: In 2010, the American Cancer Society has estimated rectal cancer affects over 39,670 adult patients in the United States. Five-year disease-free survival for rectal cancer patients with stage II/III disease ranges from 60-70%. Current gaps exist regarding long-term effects after treatment including altered bowel function and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) concerns from rectal cancer patient and partners' perspectives both individually and together during rehabilitation and as cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to: (1) describe the experiences of adult rectal cancer patients and their partners during rehabilitation from cancer treatment, including long- term effects; (2) examine health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) issues for rectal cancer patients and their partners including well-being and coping during their rehabilitation and as survivors. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study for a planned sample of 20 adult rectal cancer patients, stage II/III, and their partners from an academic health science hospital and cancer center has been conducted. Twelve patients and their partners have currently completed face to face semi-structured interviews. Patient participants were at least 6 months to 5 years post treatment. Qualitative descriptive design used purposive sampling to obtain broad information on rectal cancer patients' and partners' perspectives for content analysis. Results: Preliminary findings have revealed unexpected difficulties; chronic bowel function alterations; symptom unpredictability; nutrition intolerances; patient/partner adjustments; social concerns in going places, reactions by friends, work and financial strains; and, acceptance in living with it or chronic life changes as survivors. Partners acknowledged their own needs for information and support to assist their spouse or significant other. Further rich, thick descriptions will be presented in presentation of findings for 20 patient and partner responses. Conclusions: Survivorship follow-up regarding these concerns should be emphasized for rectal cancer patients and their partners to formalize interventions for study to enhance HR-QOL well-being. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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