Better quality of life among 10-15 year survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma compared to 5-9 year survivors: a population-based study

Abstract

This study describes the quality of life (QoL) of long-term Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors and compares it to an age-matched normative sample. The population-based Eindhoven Cancer Registry was used to select all patients diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma from 1989 to 1998. Eighty percent of survivors completed the SF-36 and the quality of life-cancer survivors questionnaire. QoL was better among patients diagnosed 10-15 years ago compared to patients diagnosed 5-9 years ago. The patients diagnosed 5-9 years ago experienced lower general health, social functioning, mental health and vitality compared to an age-matched normative sample, while the patients diagnosed 10-15 years earlier reported lower general health but better physical functioning. Most patients reported that their work situation did not change. Problems pertaining to the obtainment of health insurance, life insurance and mortgages were high. QoL among Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors is lower compared to an age-matched normative sample. Survivors furthermore experience some (financial) problems in the years after diagnosis.