Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of parenthood on the quality of life of cancer patients.
Methods: A sample of 246 cancer patients (56% female) with different cancer locations were surveyed at the beginning of their inpatient medical treatment (t1) and 6 months afterward (t2) using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Three subgroups were compared in a cross-section and a longitudinal design. The variables sex, partnership, distant metastases and age were controlled.
Results: A negative impact of parenthood on certain sub-dimensions of quality of life was seen in contrast to patients without children at the time of the acute treatment (t1). After 6 months (t2) quality of life was increased, particularly in the subgroup of patients with younger children. However, there were no other statistically relevant differences between patients with or without children. Some variables such younger age, male sex and partnership have a positive impact on quality of life of patients.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the present findings suggest that special psychosocial support during the acute treatment is necessary for cancer patients with children. The presence of younger children can possibly be interpreted as a protective factor in the process of illness. The development of suitable instruments for the measurement of psychosocial burden of parents with cancer and their children and the implementation and evaluation of specific intervention programs should be the goal of further investigations.