Abstract 4224
Background
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related burden of disease in Australia. Despite careful patient selection and advances in therapy, men may experience complications beyond completion of treatment. There is a lack of robust population-based data regarding the quality of life (QoL) of prostate cancer survivors. We aimed to determine the feasibility of collecting health and quality of life (QoL) data from an Australian population-based sample of prostate cancer survivors, using standard measures.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was mailed to a representative group of patients approximately 1, 3 or 5 years post cancer diagnosis. Eligible participants were 18 years or older, had prostate cancer, and registered with the Victorian Cancer Registry. QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) and the Social Difficulties Inventory (SDI-21). The results were compared to an English dataset that used similar methods.
Results
494 of 1078 eligible participations returned the survey (RR 45.8%). The majority reported their prostate cancer had responded fully to treatment (69.9%). QoL was similar between the Australian and English data, and at 1, 3 and 5 years post diagnosis. Symptoms were commonly reported; from FACT-P: erectile dysfunction 84%; problems with satisfaction with present comfort level 74%; poor appetite 61%; aches and pains that bother me 61%; and from the EQ-5D-5L: anxiety 32%. Improved QoL and improved social wellbeing was associated with full response to treatment (EQ-5D-5L, p ≤ 0.001; SDI-21, p ≤ 0.01). Reduced QoL was associated with not having a care plan (EQ-5D-5L, p ≤ 0.01) and having another medical condition (EQ-5D-5L, p ≤ 0.001; SDI-21, p ≤ 0.01).
Conclusions
The method of assessment is feasible in the Australian setting. A high proportion of men experience difficulties that continue to impact their QoL long after diagnosis. This highlights an unmet need and that a process to identify and respond to these issues is needed. Care plans may assist.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Funding
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Editorial Acknowledgement
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.