Abstract 474P
Background
Bangladesh has 1.3 to 1.5 million cancer patients. Evaluating the effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment on a pts overall well-being is crucial and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a reliable metric for assessing this impact. Little is known about HRQoL among cancer survivors across various stages & treatments.
Methods
A survey was conducted with Asian Patient Perspectives Regarding Oncology Awareness Care and Health (APPROACH) with trained staff. The study examined factors influencing HRQoL among cancer pts undergoing treatment. IEC approval was obtained.
Results
62.5% were females and 37.5 males. 87.5% were poor. The table shows the types of cancers. 93.8% pts did not know the stage of cancer and 78.1% pts could not afford treatment. 44% had pain, 28% had severe pain, 46.9% had no access to pain medication. Pts reported nausea 87.5%, breathlessness 68.8%, constipation 65.6%, weight loss 68.8% and mouth dryness 65%. 65.7% felt tense, 93.8% don’t enjoy, 87.5% felt awful, 68.8% worried, 63% not relaxed. 96.9% pts reported symptoms. The quality of healthcare was poor in 56.2%. 53% were not informed about impact of disease. 96.8% think treatment will help to live longer and cure them. For 84.5% their family took treatment decisions. 43.8% felt life extension should be there with moderate pain 65.4% smoked in the past, 83.3% had history of alcohol and 100% pts blamed themselves. Their condition was due to 21.9% smoking, 12.5% alcohol, and 96.9% due to old age. 12.5% felt ashamed for having cancer 28% felt that people avoid them. 96.9% believe God will cure them but 93.8% believe this is with treatment. None of the patients had received any psychological support and 68.8% wanted such psychological support. Table: 474P
| % | |
| Ca breast | 21.9 |
| Ca lungs | 21.9 |
| Adenocarcinoma | 6.3 |
| Ca oesophagus | 3.1 |
| Ca gall bladder | 6.3 |
| Ca pancreas | 3.1 |
| Ca tongue | 3.1 |
| CUP | 9.4 |
| Metastatic | 3.1 |
| MPN | 6.3 |
| Rhadbomyosacrcoma | 3.1 |
| Squamous | 3.1 |
| Ca colon | 3.1 |
| Ca larynx | 3.1 |
| Ca Nasopharynx | 3.1 |
Conclusions
80% of the pts are diagnosed at advanced stage which makes treatment difficult. The APPROACH study confirms that the QoL of these patients are affected and they do not get adequate treatment for pain. 100% pts blame themselves, and they do not get any psychological support & they need palliative care support.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.