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Quality of life in long-term survivors of bladder cancer

  1. Veerasathpurush Allareddy B.D.S., M.B.A.1,2,
  2. Julianna Kennedy B.A.3,4,
  3. Michele M. West Ph.D.3,4,
  4. Badrinath R. Konety M.D., M.B.A.1,3,†,*

Article first published online: 28 APR 2006

DOI: 10.1002/cncr.21896

Issue

Cancer

Cancer

Volume 106, Issue 11, pages 2355–2362, 1 June 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

Allareddy, V., Kennedy, J., West, M. M. and Konety, B. R. (2006), Quality of life in long-term survivors of bladder cancer. Cancer, 106: 2355–2362. doi: 10.1002/cncr.21896

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

  2. 2

    Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

  3. 3

    Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

  4. 4

    Department of State Health Registry of Iowa, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

  1. †

    Fax: (319) 356-3900

*Department of Urology, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., 3236-RCP, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 18 MAY 2006
  2. Article first published online: 28 APR 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 17 FEB 2006
  4. Manuscript Revised: 27 DEC 2005
  5. Manuscript Received: 18 MAY 2005

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Keywords:

  • bladder cancer;
  • quality of life;
  • radical cystectomy;
  • FACT-BL;
  • FACT-G

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The quality of life (QOL) of long-term survivors of bladder cancer in a population-based registry was assessed.

METHODS

The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-BL) instrument was used to evaluate QOL in a population-based sample of bladder cancer patients. QOL scores were compared between those undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) or those with an intact bladder (BI) and between continent and conduit urinary diversion groups. The influence of current age and time since diagnosis of cancer on QOL were also examined. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the influence of age, time since diagnosis, current condition, treatment, stage of cancer, and comorbid conditions on QOL.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients participated in the study who had undergone RC (n = 82) or other therapy (BI) (n = 177). There were no differences in general QOL scores between RC and BI groups and between the 2 urinary diversion groups, but patients undergoing RC had worse sexual function scores. QOL scores for BI patients tended to decrease with increasing age (P = .01). Presence of comorbid conditions lowered QOL (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

General QOL does not vary among long-term bladder cancer survivors regardless of treatment, but sexual functioning can be adversely affected in those undergoing cystectomy. Long-term QOL declines even in those with intact bladders, particularly in those with comorbidities. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.

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