Comparison of the quality of life of early and advanced stage ovarian cancer survivors

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the long-term adjustment and QOL of early and advanced stage ovarian cancer survivors (OCS).MethodsEarly and advanced OCS > 3 years from diagnosis with no evidence of recurrent cancer were interviewed. The following surveys were administered: EORTC QLQ-C30 (overall QOL) and QLQ-OV28 (ovarian specific issues), MHI-17 (anxiety, depression and global well-being), CALGB sexual functioning, FACT Fatigue, Beck's Hopelessness Scale, Fear of Recurrence (FOR), PCL-C post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Unmet Needs, FACT-Spirituality (FACT-Sp), complementary therapy (CAM use), and MOS Social Support Survey (MOS). The results of the surveys were compared between the early and advanced stage groups.Results42 advanced and 58 early stage patients were interviewed. The majority of survivors scored above the medical outpatient norm for emotional status (71% of early stage and 64% of advanced stage survivors). Overall QOL, fatigue, hopelessness, spirituality, social support, degree to which unmet needs were met and use of complementary therapy, did not differ between the two groups. No advanced stage OCS had diagnosable PTSD scores, while 6.9% of early stage survivors had scores indicative of PTSD. Decreased sexual interest attributed to cancer and anxiety when getting CA-125 testing were of concern for both groups. OCS used on average 5 CAM to improve their QOL.ConclusionRegardless of staging, OCS experience similarly overall positive QOL and adjustment, though PTSD, sexual problems and fear of recurrence are still important for some survivors.