A Comparative Study of Symptoms, Social Support, and Quality of Life at Different Survival Stages of Lung Cancer Patients

Purpose: This study aimed to compare symptoms, social support, and quality of life across different stages of survival in patients with lung cancer.Methods: The study included 145 participants: 49 in the acute survival phase (less than 2 years), 50 in the extended survival phase (2~5 years), and 46 in the lasting survival phase (> 5 years). A structured questionnaire was utilized to assess symptoms, social support, and quality of life. Analysis of covariance was used to control for demographic and disease-related variables.Results: Quality of life was significantly higher in the lasting survival stage (F=5.05, <i>p</i>=.008). The severity of symptoms was highest in the acute survival stage, followed by the extended survival stage, and lowest in the lasting survival stage (F=15.79, <i>p</i><.001). Symptom interference with life was greater in the extended survival stage than in the lasting survival stage (F=11.11, <i>p</i><.001). Social support was the lowest in the extended survival stage (F=10.03, <i>p</i><.001). Notably, the extended survival stage had the highest scores for symptoms affecting daily activities, relationships, walking, and work (<i>p</i><.001).Conclusion: This study highlights the differences in symptoms, social support, and quality of life in patients with lung cancer across their survival stages. Tailored interventions are essential for each survival stage to improve the quality of life, with emotional and social support being critical in the extended survival phase, whereas symptom management is key in the acute phase.