Impact of Social Support on Quality of Life For Patients With Endometrial Cancer

According to a prospective longitudinal study, social support can significantly improve psychological well-being and overall quality of life among patients who have undergone surgery for endometrial cancer. 

Because patients with endometrial cancer have the potential to survive long-term, “quality of life is a highly relevant topic,” as Vincenzo D Mandato, MD, IRCCS—Reggio Emilia, Italy, and coauthors, wrote. This study investigated the impact of perceived social support, perceived physician-patient communication, and medical history on changes in quality of life of patients who had undergone surgery for endometrial carcinoma during the first year of follow-up. 

This study included 98 patients with endometrial cancer. Patients completed the Short Form 36 and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) at 1 month and 1 year following surgery. The Short Form 36 is made up of 36 items within 8 dimension of physical and mental health-related quality of life: physical functioning, physical role functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, emotional role functioning, and mental health. The MSPSS is made up of 12 items and is divided into 3 subscales: friends, family, significant other. At the 1-month point, patients also completed a questionnaire designed by the researchers of this study, regarding key aspects of physician-patient communication.

Patients who reported high levels of social support at 1 month following surgery “demonstrated significant improved emotional well-being” at both 1 month and 1 year after surgery, Dr Mandato et al stated. Additionally, support from a patient’s significant other at 1 year was associated with greater physical functioning, fewer limitations due to physical health, less pain, less fatigue, and better general well-being, as well as emotional well-being.

Dr Mandato et al concluded, “patients who perceived robust [social support], both at the one-month and one-year junctures following surgery, showed higher levels of [emotional well-being].” They added, “the multifaceted nature of [social support], encompassing emotional assistance and information sharing, emerges as a pivotal factor aiding patients in confronting the challenges inherent to [endometrial cancer].”

Source:

Mandato VD, Paterlini M, Torricelli F, Rabitti E, Mastrofilippo V, Aguzzoli L. Perceived social supportr and quality of life in endometrial cancer patients: A longitudinal study. Front Oncol. 2024;14. doi:10.3389/fonc.2024.1447644