Quality of life assessment in non-melanoma skin cancers and comparison of the quality of life between psoriasis and vitiligo patients.

Abstract

Objective Despite the increase in incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), deaths are relatively rare. The goal of treatment is to prevent the recurrence of the disease and to increase the quality of life (QoL). The QoL and the cost of treatment are becoming more important treatment goals, as nowadays NMSC are rarely life-threatening. This study aims to assess and compare the QoL in patients with NMSC, psoriasis, and vitiligo using three validated QoL instruments. Methods A total of 150 patients were included in this study, with 50 patients each diagnosed with NMSC, psoriasis, and vitiligo. The QoL was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core QoL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Sociodemographic data and disease severity were also recorded. Results The study found that NMSC and psoriasis patients had similar QoL scores, with both groups showing more significant impairment in QoL than vitiligo patients. Psoriasis patients experienced greater deterioration in daily activities and personal relationships, while QoL in work, school, and treatment domains was worse in both NMSC and psoriasis patients compared to vitiligo patients. A negative correlation was observed between disease duration and the physical health domain subscale of the WHOQOL-BREF, as well as the work and school subscale of the DLQI, in vitiligo patients; and between disease duration and the work and school subscale of the DLQI in NMSC patients. Conclusion The findings underscore the significant impact of NMSC on patients' QoL, highlighting the importance of comprehensive management strategies in these conditions. The similarity in QoL scores obtained across all groups using DLQI and WHOQOL-BREF suggests that the WHOQOL-BREF, a general health QoL scale, can be effectively used alongside the DLQI, a dermatology-specific QoL scale, to assess QoL in dermatologic diseases.