Long-Term Lung Cancer Survivors Have Permanently Decreased Quality of Life After Surgery

BackgroundRetrospective evaluation of the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among survivors after non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) surgery.Patients and MethodsA total of 586 patients underwent surgery for NSCLC in Helsinki University Central Hospital between January 2000 and June 2009. Two validated quality-of-life questionnaires, the 15D and the EORTC QLQ-C30 with its lung cancer–specific module, QLQ-LC13, were sent to the 276 patients alive in June 2011. Response rate was 83.3%. Results of the 15D were compared with those of an age- and gender-standardized general population.ResultsMedian follow-up was 5 years. Compared with a general population, our patients had a significantly lower 15D total score, representing their total HRQoL and scores for dimensions of mobility, breathing, usual activities, depression, distress, and vitality. The patients, however, scored significantly higher on vision, hearing, and mental function.ConclusionsNSCLC survivors may suffer postoperatively from permanently reduced long-term HRQoL compared to an age- and gender-matched general population. This is essential patient information as more patients are surviving longer.