Impact of Loneliness on Functioning in Lung Cancer Patients

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and carries a greater degree of stigma. Lung cancer stigma contributes to social isolation and increases loneliness, which has an impact on quality of life, increases depressive symptoms and hence affects all aspects of functioning. Functioning is assessed in five dimensions (physical, psychological, cognitive, social and life roles). The aim of the study was to assess the impact of loneliness on the functioning, nutritional status and quality of life of patients with lung cancer. METHODS. The survey study was conducted among 310 lung cancer patients. The patients were asked to complete the Mini-MAC, HADS-M, MNA, EORTC QoL, AIS and VAS questionnaires. RESULTS. In total, 136 patients were lonely and 174 were married or in a relationship. Lonely patients had significant difficulty accepting their illness and demonstrated higher levels of depression. The factors most strongly associated with loneliness were being unemployed, age 61 or over and a less score in the constructive coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS. Loneliness is a significant factor affecting the functioning of patients with lung cancer. It increases the risk of anxiety and depression, reduces levels of illness acceptance, reduces levels of constructive coping and increases the risk of malnutrition.