COMPARISON OF QUALITY OF LIFE 3 AND 9 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER

Quality of life is considered as an important issue in studies of chronic
diseases, especially cancer. Currently, developing cancer is one of the principal issues in Iran as well
as the whole world. Symptoms and side effects of esophagus and stomach cancer influence the quality
of life. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal cancer
3 and 9 months after surgery.
Materials & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional one and took place to compare the quality of
life of 27 patients with cancers of the stomach and esophagus. Standardized QLQ-C30 questionnaire
was used to data collection.
Results: The mean score of the overall of quality of life was determined in subjects under study,
(51.65 + 16.8) (79.2 + 13.02) three and 9 months after surgery, respectively. Quality of life was
evaluated in a more favorable status 9 months compared with 3 months after surgery. Quality of life
of patients after the manifestation of signs and symptoms was evaluated as moderate 3 months after
surgery, following which it was evaluated as relatively favorable 9 months after surgery.
Conclusion: According to available information, it becomes clear that after surgery both stomach and
esophagus cancer patients have almost no problems in the levels of cognitive performance. However
in terms of social performance they are impaired. These patients need more attention in terms of
learning psychological skills, psycho-social counseling and economic support as well as increase in
the insurance coverage