Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the quality of life in its different domains among cancer patients in relation to their treatment modality.

Methods: A convenience sample of 200 patients with cancer was selected, 100 patients were on chemotherapy and the other 100 were on radiotherapy. Data was obtained through direct interview, using FACT-G questionnaire, version 4, and was managed through a statistical program, using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The emotional domain was the least affected one in both study groups (P = 0.800), while the physical domain reflected a significant statistical differences (P < 0.001); it was mildly affected in 92% of those with radiotherapy and moderately affected in 47% of those on chemotherapy. The social and functional domains were the most badly affected with a significant difference in the functional domain only (P <0.001) where 93% of those on radiotherapy being badly affected. The functional well-being of breast cancer was more affected among those with radiotherapy (P = 0.039), while the physical domains of quality of life of patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer was more badly affected by chemotherapy (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients on chemotherapy are more badly affected in some domains of quality of life, compared to those on radiotherapy. The emotional domain of QoL was the least affected, while the social and functional domains were the most badly affected ones among cancer patients, whether they were treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

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