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. 2018 May;118(11):1518-1528.
doi: 10.1038/s41416-018-0084-z. Epub 2018 May 14.

Health-related quality of life after treatment for bladder cancer in England

Samantha J Mason  1   2 , Amy Downing  3   4 , Penny Wright  3 , Luke Hounsome  5 , Sarah E Bottomley  6 , Jessica Corner  7 , Mike Richards  8 , James W Catto  6 , Adam W Glaser  3   4
Affiliations

Health-related quality of life after treatment for bladder cancer in England

Samantha J Mason et al. Br J Cancer. 2018 May.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about quality of life after bladder cancer treatment. This common cancer is managed using treatments that can affect urinary, sexual and bowel function.

Methods: To understand quality of life and inform future care, the Department of Health (England) surveyed adults surviving bladder cancer 1-5 years after diagnosis. Questions related to disease status, co-existing conditions, generic health (EQ-5D), cancer-generic (Social Difficulties Inventory) and cancer-specific outcomes (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder).

Results: In total, 673 (54%) patients responded; including 500 (74%) men and 539 (80%) with co-existing conditions. Most respondents received endoscopic treatment (60%), while 92 (14%) and 99 (15%) received radical cystectomy or radiotherapy, respectively. Questionnaire completion rates varied (51-97%). Treatment groups reported ≥1 problem using EQ-5D generic domains (59-74%). Usual activities was the most common concern. Urinary frequency was common after endoscopy (34-37%) and radiotherapy (44-50%). Certain populations were more likely to report generic, cancer-generic and cancer-specific problems; notably those with co-existing long-term conditions and those treated with radiotherapy.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates the importance of assessing patient-reported outcomes in this population. There is a need for larger, more in-depth studies to fully understand the challenges patients with bladder cancer face.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Design and response rates within this survey
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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