Quality of life and symptom attribution in long-term colon cancer survivors

Aims and objectives This study investigates how long‐term colon cancer survivors evaluate their health, functional status and quality of life, and whether there are differences based on age, gender or ethnicity. Methods Thirty long‐term survivors of at least stage I colon cancer were interviewed in person between December 2004 and May 2005. The interview protocol included the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form, Quality of Life – Cancer Survivor, and study‐specific questions that asked about physical and non‐physical problems they attributed to colon cancer. Results Substantial percentages of survivors attributed their problems with lack of energy (83%), sexual functioning (67%), bowel problems (63%), poor body image (47%) and emotional problems (40%) to having had colon cancer. Of those problems attributed to colon cancer, sexual functioning and pain were given the highest severity rankings by survivors. The majority of long‐term colon cancer survivors reported distress regarding future diagnostic tests, a second cancer, and spread of cancer. Women reported greater problems completing daily activities as a result of physical problems (P = 0.003) and more pain (P = 0.07) than men. African Americans appear to report marginally better overall quality of life (P = 0.07) and psychological well‐being than whites (P = 0.07). Conclusion The majority of long‐term colon cancer survivors with resected colon cancer and disease‐free for 5 years reported problems with low energy, sexual functioning and bowel problems.