Dynamic of Quality of Life in Cancer

Dynamic of Quality of Life in Cancer

Main Article Content

Bernat-Carles Serdà i Ferrer
Arantza del Valle Gómez

Abstract

This manuscript shows the dynamics of QoL in a group of people with cancer. The QoL corresponds to a multidimensional and dynamic concept that implies the possibility of change of meaning and value of the concept. The methodology is based on triangulation between methods. The sample corresponds to a group of men with prostate cancer (n=160). The quantitative method identifies the changes in QoL. Additionally, the method studies the recalibration mechanism involved in this change. The qualitative method determines the characteristics of communication in QoL implementing an intensive sampling by theoretical representativeness, in 66 participants.  The analytical procedure corresponds to the Method of Constants Comparisons. This study confirms that the QoL of patients with prostate cancer is low from the diagnostic phase of the disease. During the hospital period, we identified a partial and incomplete coping style.  That means an incomplete adaptation to disease. This effect is limited and disappears by decreasing the risk of recurrence and death, coinciding with the return to everyday life.  This situation causes a decrease in QoL. The implementation of a rehabilitation program adapted to the symptoms have a positive impact on improving long term this QoL.

References

Cella, D.F., y Tulsky, D.S. (1993). Quality of life in cancer: definition, purpose, and method of

measurement. Cancer Investigation, 11(3), 327-336.

Chen, R.C., Clark, J.A., y Talcott, J.A. (2009). Individualizing quality-of-life outcomes reporting:

how localized prostate cancer treatments affect patients with different levels of baseline urinary, bowel, and sexual function. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 27(24), 3916-3922.

Denzin, N., y Lincoln, Y. (2000). Handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks ed.

CA. Díaz, P., Facal, J., y Yanguas, J.J. (2010). Funcionamiento psicológico y envejecimiento.

Aprendizajes a partir de estudios longitudinales. Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología, 45(6), 350-357.

Echteld, M.A., van, Z.L., Bannink, M., Witkamp, E., y van der Rijt, C.C. (2007). Changes in and

correlates of individual quality of life in advanced cancer patients admitted to an academic unit for palliative care. Palliative Medicine, 21(3), 199-205.

Hagedoorn, M., Sneeuw, K.C., y Aaronson, N.K. (2002). Changes in physical functioning and

quality of life in patients with cancer: response shift and relative evaluation of one's condition. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 55(2), 176-183.

Korfage, I.J., de Koning, H.J., y Essink-Bot, M.L. (2007). Response shift due to diagnosis and

primary treatment of localized prostate cancer: a then-test and a vignette study. Qualitative Life Research, 16(10), 1627-1634.

Kvam, A.K., Wisloff, F., y Fayers, P.M. (2010). Minimal important differences and response shift

in health-related quality of life; a longitudinal study in patients with multiple myeloma. Health Qualitative of Life Outcomes, 8, 79.

Lin, P.C., Yen, M., y Fetzer, S.J. (2008). Quality of life in elders living alone in Taiwan. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 17, 1610-1617.

Literas, L., Navarro, A., y Fontanals, M.D. (2010). Diseño y validación de una escala de satisfacción y calidad de vida para usuarios de centros residenciales y sociosanitarios. Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología, 45(6), 320-335.

Schwartz, C., y Sprangers, M.A. (2000). Adaptation to changing health: Response Shift in Quality

of Life Research. Washington: American Psychological Association.

Schwartz, C.E., Bode, R., Repucci, N., Becker, J., Sprangers, M.A., y Fayers, P.M. (2006). The clinical significance of adaptation to changing health: a meta-analysis of response shift. Quality of Life Research, 15(9), 1533-1550.

Segal, R.J., Reid, R.D., Courneya, K.S., Malone, S.C., Parliament, M.B., Scott, C.G., et al. (2003).

Resistance exercise in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 21(9), 1653-1659.

Serdà, B. (2009). Avaluació dels efectes d'un programa d'exercici físic individualitzat sobre la Qualitat de Vida (QdV), la incontinència urinària, la fatiga i la resistència muscular amb malalts de càncer de pròstata. TESEO: Universitat de Girona (UdG).

Sharpe, L., Butow, P., Smith, C., McConnell, D., y Clarke, S. (2005). Changes in quality of life in

patients with advanced cancer: evidence of response shift and response restriction. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 58(6), 497-504.

Sprangers, M.A., y Schwartz, C.E. (1999). Integrating response shift into health-related quality of

life research: a theoretical model. Social Science Medicine, 48(11), 1507-1515.

Taylor, S.J., y Bogdan, R. (1981). A qualitative approach to the study of community adjustment.

Monography American Association Mental Deficency, 4, 71-81.