Socioeconomic Factors Predict Long-Term Quality of Life of Cancer Survivors: An International Survey

Introduction: Despite advances in cancer treatment, the quality of life (QOL) of survivors varies significantly. We assessed the correlation between socioeconomic factors and longterm QOL in a global cohort of cancer survivors.Materials and methods: Patients were offered surveys via online support groups. Using the Short Form-12 validated questionnaire, physical QOL (PQOL) and mental QOL (MQOL) wellbeing were compared to the general population. Socioeconomic factors were assessed with regression analysis for impact on QOL.Results: Seven hundred eighty two survivors from six continents responded. They were 57 +/- 13 y and 68% female, 90.8% White, with 43 distinct cancer diagnoses. All survivors had PQOL and MQOL scores lower than the general population. Lower education level, household income, and non-White race all correlated with reduced PQOL and/or MQOL. Age was negatively correlated with PQOL (r =-0.08, P = 0.03) and positively correlated with MQOL (r = 0.142, P < 0.001). Care at large regional/academic centers was associated with higher MQOL (42 +/- 14 versus 38 +/- 11, P = 0.005). Age (13 =-0.1, P = 0.04), education (13 = 1.1, P = 0.005), and income (13 = 2.0, P < 0.001) were predictors of PQOL, while age (13 = 0.2, P < 0.001), income (13 = 1.7, P = 0.002), and community hospital care (13 =-3.6, P = 0.013) were predictors of MQOL.Conclusions: In a large international survey of cancer survivors, we identified socioeconomic factors and their associations with QOL. Further work should be directed to provide durable support across all socioeconomic classes.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.