Quality of Life and Understanding of Disease Status Among Cancer Patients of Different Ethnic Origin
Author Information
Author(s): Tchen N, Bedard P, Yi Q-L, Klein M, Cella D, Eremenco S, Tannock I F
Primary Institution: Princess Margaret Hospital and University of Toronto
Hypothesis
English-speaking patients will have better knowledge and understanding of their disease than those who speak primarily Southern European or Chinese languages.
Conclusion
Patients whose first language is English have better knowledge and understanding of their disease than those in other language groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with poorer knowledge of their disease status had poorer quality of life.
- More than half of the patients with metastatic cancer believed their disease had not spread.
- Patients with limited English proficiency had poorer understanding of their disease status.
Takeaway
This study found that people who speak English understand their cancer better than those who speak other languages, which can affect how they feel about their health.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study assessing cancer patients' knowledge of their disease and quality of life using translated questionnaires.
Potential Biases
The study may have bias due to socioeconomic differences among language groups.
Limitations
The sample size was chosen for feasibility, which may limit the power to evaluate other aspects such as language of consultation.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 202 cancer patients from various ethnic backgrounds, with a median age of 56 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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