[Quality of life of cancer patients with and without an ostomy].

This study aimed to analyze and compare the quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer who were attended by the Single Health System in Sao Paulo. A descriptive and transversal study was carried out from a quantitative approach. Data were collected through the World Health Organization Quality of Life-bref scale (WHOQOL-bref). 110 patients were observed, resulting in a population of 48 patients, who were divided into 2 groups: with and without ostomy. No differences in the average scores for the four domains were found between the groups. Statistical differences were found in the variables of religion and return to work independent from the group. This study was important to get a better understanding of quality of life in cancer patients with and without ostomy.