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Schneider J, Hernandez D, Schlander M, Arndt V. Out-of-pocket payments and loss of income among long-term breast cancer survivors in Germany: a multi-regional population-based study. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:1639-1659. [PMID: 36459378 PMCID: PMC10539192 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine the magnitude of out of pocket (OOP) payments and income loss, as well as to identify socioeconomic and clinical factors among long-term breast cancer (BC) survivors in Germany. METHODS We examine data from 2654 long-term BC survivors in Germany that participated in the "CAncEr Survivorship - A multi-Regional population-based study" (CAESAR) and who were at least 5 years post diagnosis. BC-related OOP payments and income loss both within the 12 months prior to the survey were analyzed. Two-part regression models were performed to identify socioeconomic and clinical factors. RESULTS OOP payments were incurred by 51.9% of survivors with a total mean spending of 566 euros. Income loss was present among 9.6% of survivors and averaged 5463 euros among those reporting such. Socioeconomic and clinical factors associated with higher OOP payments (p ≤ 0.05) included age at time of diagnosis (65-79 years), education (10-11 years), (early) retirement, stage of diagnosis (stage III), time from diagnosis (more than 10 years), comorbidities (at least 1), and the use of rehabilitation services. Regarding income loss, age at time of diagnosis (50-59 years), (early) retirement, stage of diagnosis (stage II), time from diagnosis (5-7 years), comorbidities (at least 1), and receiving chemotherapy treatment were associated with higher losses. CONCLUSIONS For some survivors in Germany, financial burden can be considerably high despite comprehensive healthcare and support from social security. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS OOP payments related to domestic help and nursing staff as well as to outpatient care are most frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schneider
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diego Hernandez
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Schlander
- Division of Health Economics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Ramsey I, Corsini N, Hutchinson A, Marker J, Eckert M. Challenges and opportunities for using population health data to investigate cancer survivors' quality of life in Australia. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2977-2983. [PMID: 35244823 PMCID: PMC9470682 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is a recognised need for reported national data that inform health policy, health professions, and consumers about the wellbeing of Australians with cancer and other chronic conditions. International initiatives have demonstrated the viability and benefits of utilising population-based cancer registries to monitor the prevalence and trajectory of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes among people with cancer. Establishing a similar level of monitoring in Australia would require timely access to health data collected by publicly funded, population-based cancer registries, and the capacity to link this information across jurisdictions. Combining information from different sources via data linkage is an efficient and cost-effective way to maximise how data are used to inform population health and policy development. However, linking health datasets has historically been highly restricted, resource-intensive, and costly in Australia due to complex and outdated legislative requirements, duplicative approval processes, and differing policy frameworks in each state and territory. This has resulted in significant research waste due to underutilisation of existing data, duplication of research efforts and resources, and data not being translated into decision-making. Recognising these challenges, from 2015 to 2017 the Productivity Commission investigated options for improving data availability and use in Australia, considering factors such as privacy, security, and intellectual property. The inquiry report recommended significant reforms for Australian legislation, including the creation of a data sharing and release structure to improve access to data for research and policy development purposes. This paper discusses (1) opportunities in HRQOL research enabled by data linkage, (2) barriers to data access and use in Australia and the implications for waste in HRQOL research, and (3) proposed legislative reforms for improving data availability and use in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Ramsey
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Nadia Corsini
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Amanda Hutchinson
- UniSA Justice & Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Julie Marker
- Cancer Voices South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marion Eckert
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences, University of South Australia, City East Campus, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Liu Z, Doege D, Thong MSY, Arndt V. The relationship between posttraumatic growth and health-related quality of life in adult cancer survivors: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:159-168. [PMID: 32697695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported mixed findings on the relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer survivors. This review aims to give an overview of these studies and to identify potential study- and sample-level factors that could contribute to the heterogeneity of those findings on the relationship between PTG and HRQOL in cancer survivors. METHODS Multiple electronic databases were systematically searched using the concepts 'posttraumatic growth', 'cancer', and 'health-related quality of life'. Eligible studies (published until 2018) were reviewed, quality-assessed, and effect sizes were extracted and synthesized. RESULTS Of the 37 included articles, 22 received a rating of 'weak', 11 'moderate' and 4 'strong' in study quality assessment. The overall sample comprised 7954 individuals, mean age of 55.30 years, >50% females, predominantly breast cancer, and survivors mainly within 5 years post-diagnosis. The synthesized results revealed a positive association between PTG and HRQOL (Fisher's z= 0.16) on a total scale, with significant high heterogeneity (I2=75%). Variations in HRQOL measurement and methodological inconsistency contributed to study-level differences of effect sizes. Sample-level characteristics such as geographic region, smaller sample sizes (n < 100) and so on contributed to heterogeneity. LIMITATIONS Studies assessing the relationship between PTG and HRQOL were heterogeneous, of weak study quality generally, and results were difficult to combine. CONCLUSIONS Most studies found a positive relationship between the factors suggesting that PTG may play a role for successful coping following cancer. However, studies of higher quality and longitudinal design are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhunzhun Liu
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), P.O. Box 101949, 69009 Heidelberg, Germany; Medical Faculty of Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Doege
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), P.O. Box 101949, 69009 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melissa S Y Thong
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), P.O. Box 101949, 69009 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), P.O. Box 101949, 69009 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Doege D, Thong MSY, Koch-Gallenkamp L, Jansen L, Bertram H, Eberle A, Holleczek B, Pritzkuleit R, Waldmann A, Zeissig SR, Brenner H, Arndt V. Age-specific prevalence and determinants of depression in long-term breast cancer survivors compared to female population controls. Cancer Med 2020; 9:8713-8721. [PMID: 33022889 PMCID: PMC7666751 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is more prevalent in breast cancer (BC) survivors than in the general population. However, little is known about depression in long‐term survivors. Study objectives were: (1) to compare the age‐specific prevalence of depressive symptoms (a) in BC survivors vs female population controls, (b) in disease‐free BC survivors vs BC survivors with self‐reported recurrence vs controls, and (2) to explore determinants of depression in BC survivors. Methods About 3010 BC survivors (stage I‐III, 5‐16 years post‐diagnosis), and 1005 population controls were recruited in German multi‐regional population‐based studies. Depression was assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale‐15. Prevalence of mild/severe and severe depression only were estimated via logistic regression, controlling for age and education. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore determinants of mild and severe depression. Results Compared with population controls, BC survivors were more likely to report mild/severe depression (30.4% vs 23.8%, p = .0003), adjusted for age and education. At all age groups <80 years, prevalence of both mild/severe and severe depression only was significantly higher in BC survivors, while BC survivors ≥80 years reported severe depression less frequently than controls. BC survivors with recurrence reported significantly higher prevalence of mild/severe depression than disease‐free survivors and controls, but prevalence in disease‐free survivors and controls was comparable. Age, income, living independently, recurrence, and BMI were significant determinants of mild depression in BC survivors. Age, education, employment, income, recurrence, and BMI were significant determinants of severe depression. Conclusions Long‐term BC survivors <80 years report significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than controls, which might be explained by recurrence and individual factors. The findings suggest that depression in BC survivors is common, and even more after BC recurrence. Clinicians should routinize screening and normalize referral to psychological care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Doege
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melissa S Y Thong
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Koch-Gallenkamp
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lina Jansen
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Bertram
- Cancer Registry of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrea Eberle
- Bremen Cancer Registry, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | | | | | - Annika Waldmann
- Hamburg Cancer Registry, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Age at Diagnosis and Sex Are Associated With Long-term Deficits in Disease-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life of Survivors of Colon and Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study. Dis Colon Rectum 2019; 62:1294-1304. [PMID: 31567919 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000001489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing number of younger individuals diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer, research on the long-term disease-specific health-related quality of life of younger (<50 years) survivors of colon and rectal cancer is scarce. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to compare disease-specific functional deficits and symptoms of survivors of colon and rectal cancer 5 to 16 years postdiagnosis, stratified by age at diagnosis and by sex. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study. SETTING We used data from the population-based CAncEr Survivorship-A multi-Regional study in collaboration with 5 population-based German cancer registries. PATIENTS Survivors of colon and rectal cancer were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Respondents completed the disease-specific European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life colorectal cancer module. Age at diagnosis categories were <50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, and ≥70 years. Least square mean health-related quality of life scores, derived from linear regression, were adjusted for sex, education, time since diagnosis, cancer site, cancer stage, and treatment, where appropriate. RESULTS The sample comprised 697 survivors of colon cancer and 479 survivors of rectal cancer. In general, survivors of colon and rectal cancer diagnosed at <50 years of age reported lower functioning and higher symptom burden in comparison with survivors diagnosed at an older age. When stratified by sex, female survivors of colon cancer tended to report more concerns with hair loss but fewer sexual problems when compared with male survivors of colon cancer of the same age. Female survivors of rectal cancer in all age groups tended to report lower levels of sexual interest than male survivors of rectal cancer of the same age. LIMITATIONS This was a cross-sectional study with findings that could be biased toward healthier long-term survivors. The generalizability of results is limited to survivors diagnosed before 2005. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that supportive care for survivors of colon and rectal cancer to improve their self-management of symptoms should be adapted according to cancer type, age at diagnosis, and sex. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B29. LA EDAD AL DIAGNÓSTICO Y EL GÉNERO ESTÁN ASOCIADOS CON DÉFICITS A LARGO PLAZO EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA RELACIONADA CON LA SALUD ESPECíFICA DE LA ENFERMEDAD DE LOS SOBREVIVIENTES DE CÁNCER DE COLON Y RECTO: UN ESTUDIO BASADO EN LA POBLACIÓN:: A pesar del creciente número de individuos jóvenes diagnosticados con cáncer de colon y recto, la investigación sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud específica de la enfermedad a largo plazo de los sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon y recto jóvenes (<50 años) es escasa.Nuestro estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los déficits funcionales específicos de la enfermedad y los síntomas de los sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon y recto 5-16 años después del diagnóstico, estratificados por edad al momento del diagnóstico y por género.Transversal.Utilizamos datos del estudio Supervivencia de CAncEr basada en la población: Un estudio multirregional en colaboración con cinco bases de datos alemanas de cáncer basados en la población.Sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon y recto.Los encuestados respondieron el módulo de calidad de vida específica para la enfermedad en cáncer colorrectal de la Organización Europea para la Investigación y Tratamiento del Cáncer. Las categorías de edad al diagnóstico fueron <50, 50-59, 60-69 y ≥70 años. Los puntajes de CVRS (calidad de vida relacionada a la salud) medios mínimos cuadrados, derivados de la regresión lineal, se ajustaron por género, educación, tiempo desde el diagnóstico, sitio del cáncer, etapa del cáncer y tratamiento, cuando apropiado.La muestra comprendió 697 y 479 sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon y de recto, respectivamente. En general, los sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon y recto diagnosticados con <50 años de edad reportaron una menor funcionalidad y una mayor carga de síntomas en comparación con los sobrevivientes diagnosticados a una edad más avanzada. Cuando se estratificaron por género, las mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon tendieron a informar más preocupaciones sobre la pérdida de cabello pero menos problemas sexuales en comparación con los hombres sobrevivientes de colon de la misma edad. Las mujeres sobrevivientes de cáncer rectal en todos los grupos de edad tendieron a informar niveles más bajos de interés sexual que los hombres sobrevivientes de cáncer rectal de la misma edad.Estudio transversal con hallazgos que podrían estar sesgados hacia sobrevivientes a largo plazo más saludables. La generalización de los resultados se limitó a los sobrevivientes diagnosticados antes de 2005.Nuestros resultados sugieren que los cuidados de soporte para los sobrevivientes de cáncer de colon y recto para mejorar su automanejo de síntomas deben adaptarse según el tipo de cáncer, la edad en el momento del diagnóstico y el género. Vea el resumen en video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B29.
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Cancer survivors who fully participate in the PROFILES registry have better health-related quality of life than those who drop out. J Cancer Surviv 2019; 13:829-839. [PMID: 31493162 PMCID: PMC6881419 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00793-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Attrition and subsequent missing data pose a challenge in longitudinal research in oncology. This study examined factors associated with attrition in the PROFILES registry, and its impact on observed health-related quality of life (HRQOL) estimates. Methods Sociodemographic, clinical, and HRQOL data were collected annually from a cohort of 2625 colorectal cancer survivors between 2010 and 2015. Participant characteristics according to time of dropout were compared using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Predictors of attrition were examined in logistic regression analysis. Multilevel linear mixed models were constructed to investigate associations between attrition and HRQOL over time. Results Participants who dropped out were more likely to be female (OR = 1.23, CI = 1.02–1.47), older (OR = 1.20, CI = 1.09–1.33), less educated (OR = 1.64, CI = 1.30–2.11), and to have depressive symptoms (OR = 1.84, CI = 1.39–2.44) than full responders, and less likely to have high socioeconomic status (OR = 0.74, CI = 0.61–0.94). Participants who dropped out earlier reported significantly worse HRQOL, functioning, and psychosocial symptoms, which declined at a steeper rate over time, than full responders. Conclusions Cancer survivors’ HRQOL may be overestimated in longitudinal research due to attrition of the most unwell participants. Implications for Cancer Survivors Cancer survivors with the poorest health are at risk of dropping out of PROFILES and possibly withdrawing from other activities. Optimizing participation in PROFILES—a potential mechanism for providing information and access to support—is an avenue for keeping this group engaged. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11764-019-00793-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Thong MSY, Koch-Gallenkamp L, Jansen L, Bertram H, Eberle A, Holleczek B, Waldeyer-Sauerland M, Waldmann A, Zeissig SR, Brenner H, Arndt V. Age-specific health-related quality of life in long-term and very long-term colorectal cancer survivors versus population controls - a population-based study . Acta Oncol 2019; 58:801-810. [PMID: 30736716 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1557340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous research suggests an age differential in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among long-term (5-10 years post-diagnosis, LTS) colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Few studies have specifically addressed the association of age differentials with HRQOL for very long-term CRC survivors (>10 years post-diagnosis, VLTS) and non-cancer population controls. We aimed to assess possible deficits in HRQOL of disease-free CRC-LTS and CRC-VLTS in comparison with non-cancer population controls, and whether the observed pattern varies by age and time since diagnosis. Methods: We used data from the CAncEr Survivorship - A multi-Regional (CAESAR+) study in collaboration with five population-based German cancer registries. HRQOL from controls was accessed from the Lebensqualität in DEeutschland (LinDE) study. All respondents completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core-30 questionnaire. We calculated least square means of HRQOL scores. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and education, where appropriate. Results: The sample included 862 CRC-LTS, 400 CRC-VLTS and 1689 controls. CRC survivors reported overall good HRQOL but significantly poorer social functioning and more problems with dyspnea, constipation, diarrhea and finances than controls. When stratified by age, deficits in functioning and global health, and more problems with symptoms and finances were noted mainly among younger CRC survivors. Further stratification by time since diagnosis showed that similar deficits in HRQOL and symptoms were noted mainly among the younger CRC-LTS group when compared with controls. Generally, CRC-VLTS reported comparable HRQOL to controls. An exception was noted for diarrhea, whereby CRC survivors, regardless of age and time since diagnosis, reported significantly more problems with this symptom than controls. Conclusions: In comparison with non-cancer controls, disease-free CRC survivors reported overall good HRQOL but experience persistent specific detriments in HRQOL many years after diagnosis. In age stratified analyses, HRQOL deficits were noted mainly among younger CRC-LTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S. Y. Thong
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Koch-Gallenkamp
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lina Jansen
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Bertram
- Cancer Registry of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrea Eberle
- Bremen Cancer Registry, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | | | | | - Annika Waldmann
- Hamburg Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Doege D, Thong MSY, Koch-Gallenkamp L, Bertram H, Eberle A, Holleczek B, Pritzkuleit R, Waldeyer-Sauerland M, Waldmann A, Zeissig SR, Jansen L, Brenner H, Arndt V. Health-related quality of life in long-term disease-free breast cancer survivors versus female population controls in Germany. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 175:499-510. [PMID: 30826935 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05188-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about breast cancer (BC) survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) > 5 or even > 10 years past diagnosis. It is of interest whether, in the long run, survivors' HRQoL aligns with that of the general population. Study objectives were to (1) compare disease-free BC survivors' HRQoL to that of non-cancer controls, and (2) compare long-term survivors (LTS, 5-9 years post-diagnosis), very long-term survivors (VLTS, ≥ 10 years post-diagnosis), and controls with respect to their HRQoL. METHODS The samples of 2647 disease-free BC survivors (5-16 years post-diagnosis) and 1005 population controls were recruited in German multi-regional population-based studies. HRQoL was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Differences in HRQoL were assessed with multiple regression, controlling for age and education. RESULTS Disease-free BC survivors < 80 years (at survey) reported overall global health status/quality of life comparable to controls, but statistically significant lower physical, role, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. They also indicated more fatigue, insomnia, dyspnoea, and financial difficulties. However, differences were only of trivial or small clinical relevance. At age 80-89, no differences between BC survivors and controls were observed. Deficits in emotional and cognitive functioning and some symptoms (e.g. insomnia and fatigue) persist, as both LTS and VLTS reported more detriments than controls. CONCLUSIONS In view of the persistent, small but significant detriments in disease-free BC survivors' cognitive and emotional functioning and higher symptom burden, possibilities to prevent detriments from becoming chronic should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Doege
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Cancer Survivorship (C071), PO Box 10 19 49, 69009, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Melissa Suk-Yin Thong
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Koch-Gallenkamp
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Bertram
- Cancer Registry of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrea Eberle
- Bremen Cancer Registry, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Annika Waldmann
- Hamburg Cancer Registry, Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Lina Jansen
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Liu L, Meunier F. Research on cancer survivorship needs a timely frameshift, in Europe and worldwide. J Cancer Policy 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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