Norwegian general population normative data for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires: the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, the Sexual Health Questionnaire QLQ-SHQ22 and the sexual domains of the QLQ-BR23/BR45

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide sex-, age-, and morbidity-specific Norwegian general population normative values for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires QLQ-C30, the sexual health questionnaire QLQ-SHQ22 and the sexual domains of the breast modules QLQ-BR23 and QLQ-BR45.

METHODS

A random nationwide sample stratified by sex and age groups (18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and ≥70 years) was drawn from the Norwegian National Population Register. Participants were notified through national online health services (HelseNorge) and postal mail. The survey included sociodemographic background information, health-related quality of life assessed by the EORTC questionnaires, and morbidity assessed by the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression was carried out to estimate the associations of age, sex and morbidity with the EORTC scale and item scores.

RESULTS

Of the 15,627 eligible individuals, 5135 (33%) responded. Women and persons with morbidities reported lower functioning and higher symptom burden than men and persons without morbidities, respectively, on nearly all EORTC scales. Sex differences were most prominent for emotional functioning, pain, fatigue and insomnia (QLQ-C30), body image, sexual functioning (QLQ-BR23/45), importance of sexual activity, libido and fatigue (QLQ-SHQ22). The score differences between persons with and without morbidity were highly significant and largest in the youngest and middle-aged groups.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to provide normative values for the EORTC sexual health questionnaire QLQ-SHQ22 and the sexual subscales of the QLQ-BR23 and QLQ-BR45 for all, separately in age groups by sex and morbidity.

Abstract P6-09-03: Fatigue after breast cancer may be related to conditions other than the cancer. The impact of comorbidity is essential

Purpose: Fatigue after treatment for breast cancer is common, but is also prevalent in people with chronic diseases such as heart failure, diabetes, and depression etc. The primary objective was to compare the level of fatigue between BC patients one year after end of treatment with data from a representative survey of the Norwegian population (GenPop). Secondary aim was to explore the association between chronic conditions and fatigue and in both samples.

Design and Method: 245 patients treated with chemo –and/or radiotherapy after surgery, were assessed one year after treatment. Comorbidity was recorded by clinical examinations in patients and by self-report in the GenPop (N = 652). Fatigue was measured by the 3-item subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30, with higher scores on the 0–100 scale implying more fatigue. Analysis of covariance was applied to compare age-adjusted mean scores between groups.

Results: Mean age was 58 (9) years in patients and 52 (14) years in GenPop. 23% of patients and 32% of GenPop had one or more of the following conditions; cardiovascular- or pulmonary disease, diabetes or depression. No significant differences were found in fatigue between BC patients and GenPop (mean score 26.7 vs. 29.7). Comorbidity was the greatest determinant of increased fatigue, regardless of BC treatment. Patients with comorbidity were significantly more fatigued than those without comorbidity (mean difference 10.4), as found in the GenPop (mean difference 13.3).

Conclusion: Similar fatigue levels in BC patients and GenPop one year after treatment is promising, but longer follow-up is needed. Comorbidity conditions should always be assessed when evaluating fatigue and other patient related outcomes. Prevention or treatment of common chronic conditions might be considered in rehabilitation programs to reduce fatigue in cancer survivors.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-09-03.