Quality of life in Mexican colorectal cancer patients: analysis with sociodemographic, medical, and psychological variables

In this study, we evaluated the influence of sex, age, clinical stage, and colostomy/ileostomy variables on the quality of life of Mexican patients with colorectal cancer. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 192 colorectal cancer patients were included in the study. Significant differences were observed in emotional functioning between patients with rectal cancer and those with colon cancer. Presence of colostomy/ileostomy was associated with significantly impaired social functioning. Body image was significantly different based on gender and diagnosis. Likewise, significant differences were observed with respect to symptoms of the general and specific quality of life modules for colorectal cancer: these included significant difference between male and female patients with respect to taste; significant difference between rectal and colon cancer with respect to presence of blood and mucous in stool, urinary incontinence, and buttock pain; and significant difference between patients with and without colostomy/ileostomy with respect to constipation, stool frequency, sore skin, and embarrassment. We observed significant correlation of dimensions of the quality of life with distress, post-traumatic stress, and optimism. Interventions for improving the quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer should be individualized based on the specific diagnosis and the presence/absence of colostomy/ileostomy.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impact of various factors on the quality of life of Mexican colorectal cancer patients, including sex, age, clinical stage, and presence of colostomy/ileostomy. Significant differences were observed in emotional functioning between rectal and colon cancer patients, as well as impaired social functioning for those with colostomy/ileostomy. Differences were also noted in body image based on gender and diagnosis, as well as in symptoms across different quality of life modules. Individualized interventions based on specific diagnosis and presence of colostomy/ileostomy were recommended for improving patients' quality of life.