Quality of life outcomes in colorectal cancer survivors: insights from an observational study at a tertiary cancer center.

Abstract

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of survivors, yet detailed assessments of long-term QoL are sparse. This study evaluates QoL among CRC survivors, examining the influence of different treatments and patient characteristics on outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a tertiary cancer center in Portugal, enrolling CRC patients who underwent curative surgery from 2013 to 2022. QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up intervals. Subgroup analyses were performed based on tumor location, radiotherapy administration, chemotherapy administration, presence of a stoma, and time since treatment, with sociodemographic and clinical factors examined on univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: Of the 825 eligible patients, 324 were invited and 179 participated (response rate: 55.2%). Overall, patients reported high global QoL and functional scores with low symptom scores, comparable to those of the general population. However, rectal cancer survivors experienced poorer outcomes in role and social functioning, body image, and symptom management. Those receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy reported more symptoms, with chemotherapy recipients showing lower functional scores. Patients with a stoma had significantly lower QoL across functional and symptom scales. Long-term survivors reported decreased physical functioning. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, open surgery, and chemotherapy as factors associated with reduced QoL.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant disparities in QoL outcomes between CRC survivors, with QoL influenced by gender, cancer location, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, stoma presence, and survivorship duration, underscoring the need for personalized support programs and tailored care plans.