Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Treatment for Penile Cancer: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Penile cancer is one of the uncommon types of cancer in men. The treatment could significantly impact a patient’s quality of life (QOL), leading to difficulties in fulfilling life functions. METHODS: This descriptive observational study aimed to describe a situation using a cross-sectional design objectively. The population of this study was all patients with a diagnosis of penile cancer who underwent therapy at the Haji Adam Malik Hospital from September 2020 to September 2021. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30. RESULTS: The respondents’ mean age and standard deviation were 54.44 and 8.647 years, respectively. The youngest was 38 years, while the oldest age was 64 years. Most respondents had no history of circumcision (55.6%). All respondents had a poor QOL based on the 28 components in the questionnaire. This study showed that erectile function, changes in sexual function, and overall sexual function were correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) post-treatment. In general, lack of sexual activity is the primary factor responsible for decreasing HRQoL in penile cancer patients. It has been reported that 70% of patients experienced a negative impact on sexuality post-treatment. CONCLUSION: The quality of life in patients receiving treatment for penile cancer at RSUP H. Adam Malik, Medan, was poor. It is associated with a lack of sexual activity.