Functional Status and Associated Factors in Patients with Colon Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Patients with colon cancer are at risk of developing functional impairment. However, studies on functional status in this population are limited. Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the functional status in patients with colon cancer and determine its association with sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics and perceived family support. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 patients (53.3% males) with colon cancer who were followed up by an oncology outpatient clinic in a military hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a personal data form, the Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLIC), and the Cancer Patient Social Support Scale. Results: The total mean FLIC score of the patients was 112.9 ± 22.4. Female gender and lower levels of family support were associated with poorer functional status (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The functional status of the patients was higher than the moderate level. A greater understanding of factors associated with functional status in patients with colon cancer could provide appropriate interventions to support functional performance and improve health outcomes.