“QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CANCER PATIENTS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS, GUWAHATI, ASSAM: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY.”
Authors: Gogoi Bornali , Kalita Monika 
Published: October 2021

According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) (17 Dec. 2020)- there are 19.3 million new cancer cases and
almost 10 million deaths. Worldwide according to Global cancer statistics; 2018 head and neck cancer accounts for more
than 6, 50,000 cases and 3, 3,000 deaths annually. According to Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR (2020) there were about 13.9 lakhs
cancer cases, which is likely to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025, based on current trends. According to ICMR- National Centre for Disease
Informatics and Research NCDIR (2020) the number of cancer cases in the northeast was 50,317 (27,503 in males and 22,814 in females) and is
estimated set to increase to 57,131 by 2025 (13.5%). According to a report from National Cancer Registry Programme, India (2020); the majority
of the patients for head and neck cancer patients were estimated to be 66.6%. Cancer is a one of the major public health problem both in
developed and developing countries around the globe. Quality-Of-Life (QOL) of a cancer patient before and after the treatment is an important
issue especially for the cancer survivors, their families, and the care providers.
Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life among cancer patients in selected hospitals, Guwahati, Assam.
Methods and materials: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted to identify the quality of life among cancer patients in selected
hospitals, Guwahati, in order to accomplish the objectives of the study. Purposive sampling technique was used for obtaining the adequate
sample for the study. The conceptual framework used in the study was based on ferrans and powers quality of life mode. Study was undertaken on
100 head and neck cancer patients in selected hospitals of Guwahati, Assam. Participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion
criteria. Quality Of Life was assessed by distributing the structured tool to the respondent.
Results: Data analysis was done by calculating mean, SD and chi-square test. It was found that out of 100 respondents majority 62 (62%) of the
respondents were in the age groups above 50 years, 62 (62%) of the respondents were in the age groups above 50 years, 71 (71%) of the
respondents were male, 64 (64%) of the respondents were married, 38 (38%) of the respondents had monthly income Rs 10,002- Rs 29,972, 65
(65%) of the respondents belongs to joint family, 56 (56%) of the respondents were Hindu, 60 (60%) of the respondents completed primary
school, 39 (39%) of the respondents were diagnosed with Ca oral, 34 (34%) of the respondents were in stage 3, 53 (53%) of the respondents had a
duration of >5 years, 48 (48%) of the respondents had undergone chemotherapy. In assessing the Quality Of Life it reveals that out of 100
respondents, majority i.e. 76 (76%) of respondents had average Quality Of Life .The demographic variables marital status, average monthly
family income, staging of disease and duration of illness had shown statistically signicant association with level of Quality Of Life. The QOLDemographic Variables age, gender, type of family, religion, education, diagnosis and type of treatment had not shown statistically signicant
association with level of quality of life among cancer patients.
Conclusion:Through this study, the investigator concluded that majority of the head and neck cancer patients had average Quality Of Life.