Impact of Chemotherapy Treatment on the Functionality and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases in the general population, and is one of the main causes of changes in the population's illness profile. In this study, we assessed changes in the functional status and quality of life of patients in the first months of chemotherapy treatment.

Method: A prospective cohort study was carried out, collecting data from cancer patients seen at an outpatient clinic in the Midwest of Santa Catarina who had breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate and head and neck cancer. Patients were assessed at four different times, the first at diagnosis and the following at 1-month intervals after the previous assessment. The assessment included the sociodemographic profile, weight, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Timed Up & Go test (TUG test), Karnofsky Performance Status Scale and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were carried out using the IBM SPSS program, considering statistical significance p < 0.05.

Results: In a sample of 145 patients, there was no statistically significant reduction in the functional independence and weight of the patients followed up despite the treatment instituted; moreover, they did not show significant changes in their mobility capacity. The Karnofsky Scale was directly impacted by tumor staging.

Discussion: These results showed that patients with different tumors and staging at diagnosis, despite different degrees of disability, did not suffer significant changes in quality of life and self-sufficiency in the first 4 months of treatment.