Women with family cancer history are at risk for poorer physical quality of life

Abstract

Background: We investigated the determinants of trajectories of self-efficacy and physical symptoms related to lung cancer (a quality of life aspect) among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was hypothesized that gender and immediate family cancer history would have synergistic effects on symptoms reported by patients with NSCLC. Women with family cancer history were expected to be at risk of poorer physical functioning. Methods: One hundred and two men (n = 52, 51%) and women (n = 50, 49%) with NSLC who underwent surgery aimed at removing lung tumor provided their responses at 3-4 days after surgery, 1-month follow up and 4-month follow up. Physical quality of life (QLQ-LC13) and self-efficacy for managing illness served as dependent variables. Findings: Mixed-models analysis indicated that trajectories of physical quality of life (symptoms of lung cancer) as well as self-efficacy were unfavorable among women with family cancer history. Discussion: Among NSCLC patients, gender and family cancer history may be considered basic screening criteria for identifying groups of patients at risk for poorer physical (higher level of physical symptoms related to lung cancer) and lower incline of self-efficacy after cancer surgery.