Quality of life of patients with rare cancer: a comparison with patients with colorectal cancer and the association with disease trajectory-related factors

Purpose: Differences in quality of life (QoL) between patients with rare and common cancer might be explained by the specific challenges patients with rare cancer face during their disease trajectory, but research is scarce. This study aimed to (1) assess the difference in QoL between patients with rare and common cancer (i.e. colorectal cancer (CRC)) and (2) examine the association between disease trajectory-related factors and QoL in patients with rare cancer. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected among adults with rare cancer by a nationwide online survey in the Netherlands. For comparison with patients with CRC, data from the Prospective Dutch Colorectal Cancer (PLCRC) cohort were used. Associations were assessed by linear regression analyses. Results: Data from 1525 patients with rare cancer and 1047 patients with CRC were analysed. Having a rare cancer was significantly associated with a lower QoL compared to having CRC (p < 0.001). Disease trajectory-related factors significantly associated with QoL in patients with rare cancer were time until diagnosis, misdiagnoses, information on best treatment options, information on late and/or long-term effects, and both satisfaction with physician and specialized nurse care (all: p < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with rare cancers have a lower self-reported QoL than patients with CRC, and several disease trajectory-related factors are associated with QoL in patients with rare cancer. Implications for Cancer Survivors: To improve QoL of patients with rare cancer, appropriate guidance and support by healthcare professionals throughout the disease trajectory are needed, as well as early diagnosis and proper referral to centres of expertise.