IMPACT OF ONCOLOGICAL PATHOLOGY ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN A GALICIAN POPULATION SAMPLE

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a disease that has negative consequences for oncology patients. Changes in patients' lifestyles are a key factor in the diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of these patients.

Objective: To assess the impact of oncological pathology on HRQoL (health-related quality of life) in a general sample of the Galician population.

Material and methods: Observational study, random sample of the population aged ≥18 years in the municipality of La Estrada. N=1512. Variables: structured questionnaire with demographic data, cancer status, physical exercise, tobacco, alcohol and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups with and without cancer in terms of age, body mass index, smoking habits, marital status, level of education, current employment status, physical function, physical role, general health and perception of health compared to the previous year.

Conclusion: A general worsening of HRQoL was found in cancer patients in most of the domains studied with the SF-36 when comparing the values with the healthy population.

Keywords: cancer, health-related quality of life, quality of life, SF36, psychosocial factors.