Background:
As survival rates for rectal cancer (RC) continue to improve, there is increasing recognition of the long-term side effects and the need to monitor health-related quality of life (HRQL). Patient-reported measures can provide valuable insights to support both individual care and service-level planning. This study examined the feasibility of routinely collecting HRQL data as part of follow-up care for RC patients who received curative treatment.
Methods:
Patients aged over 18 years, diagnosed with RC and treated with curative intent (including neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy), were recruited from The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead (CPMCCW) and Blacktown Cancer and Haematology Centre (BCHC) between December 2020 and April 2023. Participants completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Colorectal module (QLQ-CR29) during routine follow-up. Socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. This quality assurance project was approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results:
Seventy-three participants (aged 30–87 years; mean age = 65.6; males = 45 and females = 28) were included. Routine PROMs collection was successfully integrated into clinical workflows, including for culturally and linguistically diverse patients, using paper-based forms and PROMs in multiple languages. Across the cohort, improvements were observed in global HRQL and in specific symptoms such as dysuria, bloating, anxiety, and body image. Among participants who completed repeated assessments, improvements in symptoms and treatment-related effects (e.g., dry mouth, taste changes) were also evident over time.
Conclusions:
Routine collection of HRQL data is both feasible and valuable in real-world oncology settings. Even in the absence of PROM-integrated electronic medical records, structured workflows enabled regular collection of PROMs in follow-up care. The data provided meaningful insights into symptom progression and recovery, supporting a more holistic, patient-centred approach.