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Sex differences in health-related quality of life and psychological distress among colorectal cancer patients: A 2-year longitudinal study
Bonhof,C.S. de Rooij,B.H. Schoormans,D. Wasowicz,D.K. Vreugdenhil,G. Mols,F.
Bonhof,C.S.
de Rooij,B.H.
Schoormans,D.
Wasowicz,D.K.
Vreugdenhil,G.
Mols,F.
Abstract
Purpose While sex differences in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are well documented, less is known about sex differences in patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress. To enhance patient-tailored care, we aimed to longitudinally examine sex differences in HRQoL and psychological distress among CRC patients from diagnosis up until 2-year follow-up. Methods Newly diagnosed CRC patients from four Dutch hospitals were eligible for participation. Patients (N = 334) completed questions on HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and psychological distress (HADS) before initial treatment (baseline), 4 weeks after surgery, and at 1 and 2 years after diagnosis. Also, HRQoL and psychological distress were assessed in a sex- and age-matched reference population. Results When directly comparing female (N = 126, 38%) and male (N = 208, 62%) CRC patients, female patients reported significantly worse HRQoL, such as more insomnia at baseline, worse physical and role functioning 4 weeks after surgery, more diarrhea at 1 year, and more pain and constipation at 2-year follow-up. However, a comparison with the reference population revealed larger differences between patients and reference in males than in females. For example, at 1- and 2-year follow-up, male patients reported significantly worse cognitive and social functioning, more insomnia, and more anxiety compared with a reference population. Conclusions Especially male CRC patients reported worse HRQoL and more psychological distress when compared with a reference population. Implications for cancer survivors Knowledge of sex-specific differences in HRQoL and psychological distress among CRC patients may help healthcare providers anticipate and appropriately address patients’ unique healthcare needs.
Description
Date
2024
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Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
Colorectal cancer, General population, Health-related quality of life, PROFILES, Psychological distress, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
Bonhof, C S, de Rooij, B H, Schoormans, D, Wasowicz, D K, Vreugdenhil, G & Mols, F 2024, 'Sex differences in health-related quality of life and psychological distress among colorectal cancer patients : A 2-year longitudinal study', Journal of Cancer Survivorship. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-024-01616-0