Assessment of Everyday Life Problems of Patients with Brain Tumour Subjected to Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background. As brain tumour we call each irregular mass forming localized focus, whose presence causes intracranial tightness and brain compression. The brain chronic diseases intracranial tumours are among the second largest death cause as regards frequency and the reason of 2,5% of all deaths.
Aim. The aim of the study was assessment of everyday life problems of patients with malignant disease of the central nervous system who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Material and methods. The study was carried out among 35 patients with a diagnosed malignant disease of the central nervous system who were treated with irradiation and chemotherapy in Lower Silesian Oncology Center in Wroclaw and Clinical Oncology Department in Świdnica from January to June 2006. The research was conducted with the use of their own questionnaire.
Results. The brain malignant disease forced 69% of the respondents to give up their current hobby. Even 54% of the respondents did not have possibility of spending free time in their favourite way. It was caused by discomfort during treatment in 49%, frequent stays in hospital in 43%, sight disorders in 17%, balance disorders in 17% and limb paresis in 26% of the respondents. Among most people housework duties were taken over by a spouse (43%) or children (40%).
Conclusions. More than half of respondents had problems with the performance of activities of daily life. Despite the cancer, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, half of the respondents stated that they are satisfied with their lives. The primary source of support for the test was their family and friends. (PNN 2012;1(1):4-9)