FACT-G Assessment of the Quality of Life for Palestinian Patients with Cancer

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Palestine. The number of cancer cases is increasing, whereas the late stage of diagnosis is common for the majority of cases. Modern diagnostics and medicine are contributing to more positive outcomes for patients when diagnosed early; however, the holistic approach to patient care, patient satisfaction, quality of life (QOL), and survivorship are often overlooked. Patients with cancer are usually treated by physicians and other health professionals employing the “medical model” without considering other factors that might positively affect their treatment. For this pioneering survey, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-General (FACT-G) tool was used. This study aimed to measure the satisfaction of patients with cancer undergoing outpatient treatments and assess their QOL. Materials and Methods: The FACT-G scale in Arabic has four sections, measuring physical, emotional, social, and functional well-being, was used in a survey of 203 patients with cancer currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapies. Patients were surveyed in the summer of 2019, within 1 year of diagnosis when they were outpatients, all of whom were attending a major cancer center in a Palestinian hospital. Results: Emotional well-being scored the lowest (from a total of 24; mean 11.31 (standard deviation (SD) 5.45)) whereas social/family well-being scored the highest (from a total of 28), mean 22, (SD ± 5.78). The overall mean for the four sections was 63.57 (SD 12.44). Conclusion: To ensure better management of symptoms and treatments, important indicators are now available for health professionals and researchers to learn more about the QOL of patients. Evaluating the physical, social, emotional, and functional states of patients with cancer undergoing outpatient treatments enabled us to learn more about the struggles they face while understanding how they were coping during their cancer journey.