Health-related quality of life in cancer survivors between ages 20 and 64 years: population-based estimates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

BACKGROUND

The authors examined the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of cancer survivors between ages 20 and 64 years by using a population-based survey of individuals who had activity limitations caused by cancer.

METHODS

A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2000 to 2002 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine HRQOL among respondents who reported activity limitations because of cancer. HRQOL was measured by using the CDC's Healthy Days Measures, including self-rated health status, numbers of unhealthy physical and mental health days, and activity limitation. HRQOL was compared among the following groups: those who reported no activity limitations and those who were limited primarily by cardiovascular conditions, emotional problems, and cancer. Taylor-series linearization methods were used to calculate population-based estimates in this complex sample survey.

RESULTS

Individuals between ages 20 and 64 years who were limited by cancer reported poorer HRQOL measured as higher prevalence of poor or fair self-reported health, more physically unhealthy days, more painful days, and more inadequate sleep days. Compared with the group that had no activity limitations, the individuals who had limitations were more likely to be women and to have annual household incomes<$25,000. They were more likely to be unable to work and to have health insurance. In addition, they were more likely to be former smokers and to be overweight, but they were less likely to participate in leisure-time physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, respondents between ages 20 and 64 years who reported being limited primarily by cancer reported lower HRQOL. They also reported unhealthy behaviors that were detrimental to improved HRQOL. The HRQOL and lifestyle modification needs of this population need to be examined prospectively to help decrease their burden of suffering.