The Quality of Life of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of non-small cell lung cancer chemotherapy on patients’ health status, the occurrence of adverse events and their effect on everyday activities, depending on the patients’ sex and age. Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 62 non-small cell lung cancer patients, (21 women and 41 men), aged 51–84 years, hospitalised due to the chemotherapy. The survey included SF-20 test and a questionnaire prepared by the authors. Results: The most frequent adverse events indicated by the patients were: weakness (79%), nausea and vomiting (77%), loss of appetite (56%) and diarrhoea (45%). It was found that the side-effects of chemotherapy were not dependent on age (p = 0.9882) or sex (p = 0.9968). The chemotherapy negatively influenced the quality of the patients’ life (p < 0.000001). It was shown that there is a statistically significant correlation between age and limitations on social roles, professional life and performing housework (p < 0.0133), and also the inability to perform specific types of activities (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The results of the study show that chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer was connected with decreased quality of life, especially in patients over 65 years of age. The patients under 65 years of age could not deal with the disease in respect of psychological aspects, whereas people over 65 years of age had greater problems with physical, social and professional functioning.