Quality of Life of Oncology Patients Treated in a Dental School Clinic

Melo, Breno Augusto Lima de; Mendes, Amanda Caroline Oliveira Henriques; Rodrigues, Gabrielle Helena Monte; Santos, João Pedro de Almeida; Mota, Cláudia Cristina Brainer de Oliveira; Faria, Danielle Lago Bruno de

doi:10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2026v72n1.5435

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Original Article • Rev. Bras. Cancerol. 72 (1) • 2026 • https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2026v72n1.5435EN linkcopy

Quality of Life of Oncology Patients Treated in a Dental School Clinic

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cancer patients experience physical, emotional, and social impacts that may compromise their quality of life. Assessing these aspects is essential to guide oncological care in a more humanized way.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life of cancer patients treated at a dental school clinic.

Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Participants were recruited from a dental school clinic in the city of Caruaru-PE. Data collection was carried out between August and December 2023. For data collection, a previously validated interview instrument, the EORTC QLQ-C30, consisting of 30 questions, was used.

Results: Most patients did not have severe limitations in daily activities but reported mild to moderate difficulties, such as fatigue, weakness, and reduced functional capacity. Emotionally, there were reports of tiredness and difficulty concentrating, but no severe symptoms of depression. Social life was minimally affected, although financial concerns were significant. Health and quality of life assessments were mostly positive, with patients maintaining an optimistic outlook.

Conclusion: The study showed the need for a holistic approach in oncological care, considering physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects, and recommends the implementation of psychological support, rehabilitation, and financial guidance programs to improve patients’ quality of life.

Key words:
Quality of Life; Health Evaluation/methods; Cost of Illness

Activity	No n (%)	A little n (%)	Considerable n (%)	A lot n (%)
Intense efforts (ex.: carrying weight)	6 (33.3)	4 (22.2)	4 (22.2)	4 (22.2)
Walk long distances on foot	7 (38.9)	6 (33.3)	2 (11.1)	3 (16.7)
Short strolls on foot	14 (77.8)	3 (16.7)	1 (5.6)	0 (0)
Staying in bed or sitting during the day	8 (44.4)	7 (38.9)	1 (5.6)	2 (11.1)
Needs help for basic chores	13 (72.2)	5 (27.8)	0 (0)	0 (0)

Questions	No n (%)	A little n (%)	Considerable n (%)	A lot n (%)
Did you feel limited in your job or when performing daily activities?	10 (55.6%)	2 (11.1%)	3 (16.7%)	3 (16.7%)
Did you feel limited in the usual occupation of your free time or in other leisurely activities?	11 (61.1%)	2 (11.1%)	3 (16.7%)	2 (11.1%)
Did you feel out of breath?	17 (94.4%)	1 (5.6%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)
Did you experience any pain?	9 (50%)	5 (27.8%)	2 (11.1%)	2 (11.1%)
Did you need rest?	7 (38.9%)	8 (44.4%)	2 (11.1%)	1 (5.6%)
Did you have trouble sleeping?	7 (38.9%)	6 (33.3%)	4 (22.2%)	1 (5.6%)
Did you feel weak?	10 (55.6%)	6 (33.3%)	2 (11.1%)	0 (0%)
Did you feel a lack of appetite?	3 (72.2%)	3 (16.7%)	0 (0%)	2 (11.1%)
Did you have nausea?	11 (61.1%)	6 (33.3%)	1 (5.6%)	0 (0%)
Did you vomit?	16 (88.9%)	2 (11.1%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)
Did you experience constipation?	11 (61.1%)	3 (16.7%)	2 (11.1%)	2 (11.1%)
Did you have diarrhea?	14 (77.8%)	2 (11.1%)	1 (5.6%)	1 (5.6%)
Did you feel tired?	11 (61.1%)	4 (22.2%)	1 (5.6%)	2 (11.1%)
Did pain disturb your daily activities?	11 (61.1%)	3 (16.7%)	3 (16.7%)	1 (5.6%)
Did you have trouble focusing, for example, on reading the paper or watching television?	13 (72.2%)	4 (22.2%)	1 (5.6%)	0 (0%)
Did you feel tense?	10 (55.6%)	8 (44.4%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)
Did you have any concerns?	7 (38.9%)	7 (38.9%)	0 (0%)	4 (22.2%)
Did you feel irritated?	9 (50%)	8 (44.4%)	0 (0%)	1 (5.6%)
Did you feel depressed?	11 (61.1%)	4 (22.2%)	2 (11.1%)	1 (5.6%)
Did you have trouble remembering things?	6 (33.3%)	10 (55.6%)	2 (11.1%)	0 (0%)
Did your physical state or medical treatment interfere with your family life?	12 (66.7%)	4 (22.2%)	0 (0%)	2 (11.1%)
Did your physical state or medical treatment interfere with your social life?	12 (66.7%)	2 (11.1%)	3 (16.7%)	1 (5.6%)
Did your physical state or medical treatment cause you financial troubles?	6 (33.3%)	5 (27.8%)	5 (5.6%)	2 (11.1%)

Responses (scores)	How would you classify your overall health over the past week? n (%)	How would you classify your overall quality of life over the past week? n (%)
1	1 (5.6)	1 (5.6)
2	0 (0)	0 (0)
3	2 (11.1)	1 (5.6)
4	3 (16.7)	4 (22.2)
5	3 (16.7)	3 (16.7)
6	5 (27.8)	2 (11.1)
7	4 (22.2)	7 (38.9)
Total	18 (100)	18 (100)

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