Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-3 | Issue-02 | 69-72
Original Research Article
Analysis of Quality of Life of skin cancer patients from a tertiary care teaching institution
Sudhansu Sharma, ML Tank, Abhishek Singh, SK Jain, Preeti Jain
Published : Feb. 23, 2017
Abstract
Though national surveys and cross-country data in India are unavailable, there are indirect indications from several smaller reports that Nonmelanoma skin cancer may be on the rise in India. The aim of this study was to analyze the Quality of Life of skin cancer patients. Retrospective cohort of patients operated for non-melanoma skin cancer in last 1 year and paid postoperative 4-month visit formed the study population. Inclusion criteria consisted of subjects operated for non-melanoma skin cancer and paid follow up visits having sufficient physical and mental capacity. 26 subjects fulfilled the selection criteria laid down thus included in this study. Study tools were records of patients, which were obtained from Medical Records Section. If any more information was required, study subjects were contacted. Out of total 26 study subjects, Basal cell carcinomas were found in 96.15% (n=25); squamous cell carcinoma was detected in 3.85% (n=1). Single location wise more lesions were located on the nose 12.77% (n=6) and forehead 8.51% (n=4). For most patients (69.23%), the lesion had not been previously treated. 57.69% subjects did not had any other associated co-morbid condition. Paired sample t-tests revealed a significant effect on DLQI item 1 (p=0.007), item 2 (p=0.042), and item 4 (p=0.002), with scores decreasing (improving QOL) after treatment. The change in total DLQI score demonstrated a trend toward significance, with overall QOL improving after treatment (p=0.038). Formerly commonly used dermatological Quality of life tools revealed minimal handicap at initial diagnosis and slight change after treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Although the associations were uncertain, improvement in some aspects of well-being after treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer was demonstrated