Health-related quality of life after treatment for bladder cancer in England

Mason, Samantha J.; Downing, Amy; Wright, Penny; Hounsome, Luke; Bottomley, Sarah E.; Corner, Jessica; Richards, Mike; Catto, James W.; Glaser, Adam W.

Abstract

Background

Little is known about quality of life after bladder cancer treatment. This common cancer is managed using treatments that can affect urinary, sexual and bowel function.

Methods

To understand quality of life and inform future care, the Department of Health (England) surveyed adults surviving bladder cancer 1–5 years after diagnosis. Questions related to disease status, co-existing conditions, generic health (EQ-5D), cancer-generic (Social Difficulties Inventory) and cancer-specific outcomes (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Bladder).

Results

In total, 673 (54%) patients responded; including 500 (74%) men and 539 (80%) with co-existing conditions. Most respondents received endoscopic treatment (60%), while 92 (14%) and 99 (15%) received radical cystectomy or radiotherapy, respectively. Questionnaire completion rates varied (51–97%). Treatment groups reported ≥1 problem using EQ-5D generic domains (59–74%). Usual activities was the most common concern. Urinary frequency was common after endoscopy (34–37%) and radiotherapy (44–50%). Certain populations were more likely to report generic, cancer-generic and cancer-specific problems; notably those with co-existing long-term conditions and those treated with radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the importance of assessing patient-reported outcomes in this population. There is a need for larger, more in-depth studies to fully understand the challenges patients with bladder cancer face.

Citation

Mason, S. J., Downing, A., Wright, P., Hounsome, L., Bottomley, S. E., Corner, J., …Glaser, A. W. (2018). Health-related quality of life after treatment for bladder cancer in England. British Journal of Cancer, 118(11), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-018-0084-z

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 22, 2018
• Publication Date: May 14, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 23, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 23, 2018
• Journal: British Journal of Cancer
• Print ISSN: 0007-0920
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-1827
• Publisher: Cancer Research UK
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 118
• Issue: 11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-018-0084-z
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/932226
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-018-0084-z