Cancer Abdomen

This prospective cohort study will evaluate functional decline, health-related quality of life, and long-term oncological outcomes in adults aged 65 years and older undergoing curative-intent resective surgery for gastrointestinal cancer at Hospital Universitario Mayor-Méderi in Bogotá, Colombia. The primary objectives are to identify prognostic factors associated with functional decline and clinically meaningful deterioration in health-related quality of life at 12 months after surgery. Functional decline will be assessed using the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, and quality of life will be assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30. Long-term oncological outcomes will include overall survival, time to recurrence, and disease-free survival, with estimates reported at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery. Participants will undergo standardized preoperative assessment of demographic, oncological, functional, frailty, nutritional, cognitive, psychological, and sarcopenia-related factors. Multivariable prognostic models will be developed to evaluate their association with the primary outcomes.

Cancer affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact not only survival, but also day-to-day quality of life. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause side effects like fatigue, pain, and neuropathy, which may affect physical function, emotional well-being, and social relationships. While many studies have examined factors that influence quality of life; such as age, type and stage of cancer, and treatment-related symptoms; there is still a need for tools that more fully reflect patients' lived experiences. This study aims to develop and implement a patient-centered quality of life (QOL) survey designed specifically for individuals with cancer. By directly involving patients in sharing what matters most to them, the survey seeks to provide a more complete and accurate understanding of how cancer and its treatment affect daily life. The results will help patients, families, and healthcare providers better identify needs, guide supportive care, and improve overall well-being throughout the cancer journey.