Cancer significantly affects patients beyond mortality, impacting physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being. In a study of 275 patients (mean age 63), nearly 44% were dependent in basic daily activities, with mobility, bathing, and dressing most affected.

Over 60% needed help with instrumental activities like transport and medication management. Quality of life was severely reduced by fatigue (72%), pain (65%), and loss of autonomy, with over half reporting social and family role impairment. Family members-especially women-were the main caregivers, yet 57% experienced severe burden. Cancer also created major financial strain: 46% of households lost income, with additional expenses averaging €325/month.

Key predictors of dependency: advanced age, low education, lung/colon cancer, late-stage disease, and weak support networks.

Conclusion: Strengthening formal support systems, caregiver training, and interdisciplinary care is essential to improve quality of life and reduce the socioeconomic impact on families.

TBA