Aims: Self-esteem plays an important role in the therapeutic process of oncology patients, as it influences how individuals cope with the diagnosis and respond during treatment. Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are common in the oncology population, with self-esteem representing an important psychological factor associated with these outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine baseline self-esteem and quality of life, as well as their association before and after treatment, in oncology patients.
Methods: This study included 53 oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy between February and July 2024. A prospective pre–post observational design was employed, utilizing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) questionnaire to assess self-esteem, health-related quality of life, and their interrelationship in oncology patients.
Findings: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale demonstrated good internal consistency in the study population. Baseline self-esteem was higher in women than in men; however, this difference was not reflected in post-treatment quality of life. Following therapy, lower HRQoL scores were observed in physical, emotional, and functional domains, as well as in the FACT-G total score, while social/family well-being remained largely unchanged. Higher baseline self-esteem was associated with better HRQoL both before and after treatment. Age and sex were not significantly associated with post-treatment quality of life outcomes.
Conclusions: Cancer treatment was associated with declines in physical, emotional, and functional quality of life, while social and family well-being remained stable. Higher baseline self-esteem was consistently associated with better overall quality of life before and after treatment.