Background We investigated the determinants of trajectories of physical
symptoms related to lung cancer (a quality of life [QOL] aspect) and self-
efficacy among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It was
hypothesized that gender and family cancer history in first-degree relatives
would have synergistic effects on QOL-lung cancer specific symptoms and self-
efficacy. Women with family cancer history were expected to be at risk of
poorer adjustment. Methods Quantitative, longitudinal design was applied.
Participants provided their responses at 3–4 days after surgery, 1-month
follow-up, and 4-month follow-up. We recruited 102 in-patients (men: 51%) with
NSCLC who underwent surgery aimed at removing a lung tumor. Self-report data
were collected with QLQ-LC13 and a scale for self-efficacy for managing
illness. Results Mixed-models analysis indicated that trajectories of physical
quality of life (symptoms of lung cancer) as well as self-efficacy were
unfavorable among women with family cancer history. Conclusions Among NSCLC
patients, gender and family cancer history may be considered basic screening
criteria for identifying groups of patients at risk for poorer physical QOL
(higher level of physical symptoms related to lung cancer) and lower incline
of self-efficacy after cancer surgery
