Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the physical, functional, and emotional well-being of patients with lung cancer in Bulgaria and to identify areas requiring improved support as part of a value-based approach to cancer care. Quality of life (QoL) assessment in lung cancer is essential for understanding the broader impact of the disease beyond clinical endpoints. However, routine measurement of physical, emotional, and social well-being remains limited in real-world oncology settings in Eastern Europe.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among lung cancer patients treated at a regional oncology center in Bulgaria. A standardized QoL instrument was used to assess six domains: mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression, and emotional well-being. Results were stratified by gender and age to explore differences in patient needs and vulnerabilities.
RESULTS: More than 60% of patients reported impaired mobility, and 30% required assistance with basic self-care. Daily activity limitations were reported by 70%, with 14% unable to perform any routine tasks. Persistent pain affected over 50% of respondents, and 12% experienced severe, debilitating pain. Nearly 50% of patients reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, with women showing a slightly higher emotional burden. Older male patients (60-69) represented the largest subgroup, while female patients were more evenly distributed across age groups. These findings underline the multidimensional burden of lung cancer and highlight the need for psychosocial and rehabilitative interventions.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the high burden of physical and emotional symptoms among lung cancer patients in Bulgaria. QoL data provide valuable input for tailoring supportive care, informing health technology assessments, and guiding the implementation of value-based care in oncology. Routine QoL measurement should be integrated into clinical workflows to support holistic, patient-centered care.