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01-02-2022 | Rectal Cancer

The association of bowel function, participation in life activities, and quality of life in rectal cancer survivors

Authors: Joanna E. Bulkley, Carmit K. McMullen, Andreea M. Rawlings, Robert S. Krouse, Melanie C. Francisco, Andrew T. Sterrett, Andrea N. Burnett-Hartman, Pamala A. Pawloski, Douglas A. Corley, Janice C. Colwell, Heather Spencer Feigelson

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate whether limited participation in life activities is associated with quality of life (QOL) in rectal cancer survivors, and if so, whether this association is independent of bowel function difficulties.

Methods

We surveyed rectal cancer survivors from four healthcare systems about their QOL, bowel function, and participation in life activities. Additional demographic and clinical variables were extracted from the electronic health record. We examined independent associations between bowel function, participation in life activities, and QOL, controlling for potential confounders. We also identified factors, including ostomy status, that correlate with participation in life activities.

Results

Of the 527 respondents, 52% were male, 80% were non-Hispanic white, and the mean age was 63. In fully adjusted models for all rectal cancer survivors, participation in life activities was positively associated with QOL, while bowel function was not. Bowel function retained an independent association with QOL for those who previously had an ostomy and were therefore more likely to have a low rectal anastomosis. Lower participation in life activities was correlated with lower self-reported physical and cognitive function, younger age, financial difficulty, and being non-Hispanic white.

Conclusions

Rectal cancer survivors’ participation in life activities was strongly associated with QOL, even when controlling for numerous confounders, including bowel function. Identifying ways to improve participation in life activities may be critical to developing rehabilitative and other supportive interventions that optimize QOL among rectal cancer survivors.

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Title: The association of bowel function, participation in life activities, and quality of life in rectal cancer survivors
Authors: Joanna E. Bulkley
Carmit K. McMullen
Andreea M. Rawlings
Robert S. Krouse
Melanie C. Francisco
Andrew T. Sterrett
Andrea N. Burnett-Hartman
Pamala A. Pawloski
Douglas A. Corley
Janice C. Colwell
Heather Spencer Feigelson
Publication date: 01-02-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Rectal Cancer
Rectal Cancer
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-02930-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The association of bowel function, participation in life activities, and quality of life in rectal cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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