Comprehensive Assessment of Quality of Life and Preservation of Dignity in Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy...

Cancer patients endure a significant burden, both physically and psychologically. This burden encompasses the symptoms of the disease itself, treatment toxicity, alterations in body image, diminished performance status, pain, lack of a supportive environment and existential distress. These factors contribute to a reduced quality of life and may ultimately erode the patient's dignity. This study aims to assess the overall quality of life and dignity experienced by patients with cancer, utilising established inventories in the Greek context. In addition, the study seeks to investigate the potential impact of quality of life on patients' sense of dignity.

The study sample comprises 100 cancer patients undergoing definitive or palliative radiotherapy, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ranging from 0 to 3. Among the participants, 46% were male and 54% were female, with a median age of 63 years (range: 32-87 years). Assessment tools included the Greek versions of three inventories: The MD Anderson symptom inventory, the patient dignity inventory and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Palliative, version 4.

Demographic analysis revealed that ECOG performance status emerged as the sole characteristic significantly impacting patients' dignity. Regarding quality of life, factors such as FACIT-emotional well-being, FACIT-physical well-being and additional concerns demonstrated a discernible influence on patients' sense of dignity.

This study underscores the significance of dignity preservation as a pertinent concern among cancer patients. Furthermore, it identifies quality of life-related factors as prognostic indicators for the erosion of patient dignity.