Abstract
BACKGROUND: The significant strides in cancer treatment is primarily directed towards achieving a cure. However, the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients during and after treatment are often overshadowed. Hence, this study assessed cancer patients' Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and found the association between HRQOL and sociodemographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was done among cancer patients in the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area enrolled in the Hospital Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) of an Institute of National Importance (INI) from July 2021 to December 2022. Patients aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with malignant solid tumors were included in the study. The list of cancer patients obtained from the Radiation Oncology department was sorted as per the inclusion criteria. The participants were selected using convenient sampling. 187 cancer patients were interviewed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30). RESULTS: The cancer patients' global health status score was 58.1 ± 17.2. Cognitive functioning achieved the highest score, while social functioning obtained the lowest score. Among the cancer-affected individuals, breast cancer patients had the highest global health status score, while gastrointestinal cancers received the lowest score. The global health status of the study participants was significantly associated with their caste, education, socioeconomic status, stage of cancer, and health insurance availability. Physical functioning was associated with age, marital status, education, and family type. The individual's overall health status, physical well-being, emotional state, and social functioning were also significantly associated with financial difficulties. CONCLUSION: The quality of life of cancer patients was satisfactory, except in social functioning, where it was less satisfactory. Therefore, in clinical practice, the interventions should be need-based and patient-centric, which may provide complete care for cancer patients and enhance their Quality of Life.