# The Burden of Colorectal Cancer Treatment on Quality of Life: A Paired Longitudinal Analysis of Medicare Advantage Enrollees

## TL;DR

This study shows that colorectal cancer treatment significantly lowers quality of life for older patients, both physically and mentally.

## Contribution

The study provides new longitudinal evidence on the sustained negative impact of CRC treatment on HRQOL in Medicare Advantage enrollees.

## Key findings

- Current CRC treatment is associated with significantly lower physical and mental component scores.
- Completed CRC treatment shows no significant change in HRQOL over time.
- The findings highlight the need for interventions to support long-term recovery in CRC survivors.

## Abstract

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) can have prolonged effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Using the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS), this study examines HRQOL outcomes among those undergoing CRC treatment and those who completed CRC treatment.

We performed a paired longitudinal retrospective cohort study of Medicare Advantage enrollees ≥ 65 years of age who completed the baseline and follow-up MHOS from 2016 to 2020 and answered survey questions regarding current CRC treatment. Outcomes included Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used.

574 Respondents met the inclusion criteria. Those currently undergoing treatment for CRC had significantly lower PCS scores (β coefficient −3.08 points, p < 0.001) and significantly lower MCS scores (β coefficient −1.40 points, p = 0.008) at follow-up compared to when they were not undergoing CRC treatment at baseline. Respondents who completed CRC treatment had PCS and MCS scores that remained similar over time (β coefficient 0.54 points, p = 0.466 and 0.07 points, p = 0.924, respectively).

Treatment of CRC negatively influences HRQOL. These findings emphasize the importance of informing patients of the long-term effects of CRC treatment and support the implementation of interventions aimed at providing sustained recovery throughout the survivorship continuum.