Factors affecting quality of life in breast cancer patients: A descriptive and cross-sectional study with review of literature

Abstract

Objective:This descriptive and cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the factors affecting quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients.Methods:We collected data from 60 patients of carcinoma breast post modified radical mastectomy on radiotherapy in a tertiary care hospital. We included volunteered patients with a signed informed consent and at least 70 Karnofsky Performance Scale points. The data was gathered by interview technique using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 (Breast Cancer Module).Results:The mean age at presentation was 47.6 years (range 30-75 years).75% patients were of low socio-economic status and 63.3% belonged to rural areas. Younger Women in the age group of 30-39 years had faired worst on physical, social and emotional scores as compared to older women in the age group of 70-79 years. Other factors which affected Quality of Life of patients during treatment were stage of disease at presentation, performance score of the patients, socioeconomic status of disease at follow up.Conclusion:Age, Education status, Performance Score, Stage of disease at presentation and status of disease at last follow up are few factors which significantly affects QOL in Carcinoma breast patients though the treatment remains same. Advanced studies on individual quality of life factors affecting cancer would empower physicians for better personal care techniques and patients for easily overcoming the disease.

Factors influencing quality of life of Asian breast cancer patients and their caregivers at diagnosis: perceived medical and psychosocial needs

“…(29) The positive impact of low stage of cancer has also been consistently reported by researchers across different populations of breast cancer patients. (29)(30)(31)(32) While Shen et al found that higher education increased QoL, our study showed that having a graduate or postgraduate education decreased QoL in the RP domain, when compared with having a secondary or below education level. (29) More importantly, our study highlighted that having supportive nurses at the time of diagnosis could positively influence a patient's SF.…”

Correlation Between Dosimetric Parameters and Acute Dermatitis of Post-operative Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients

“…Inhomogeneity of radiation dose distribution also caused severe radiation dermatitis. With conventional breast radiotherapy, a portion of the breast tissue receives 110% of the prescription dose, occasionally up to 120% (20). Chen et al reported that such hotspot with over 110% of the prescribed dose may be an important predictor for radiation dermatitis (12).…”

Psychological distress and quality of life among Jordanian women diagnosed with breast cancer: The role of trait mindfulness

“…Research in the Western Countries found that the QOL of some patients with breast cancer is poor (Hong, Fu, & Mi, 2006;Setyowibowo et al, 2018;Sharma & Purkayastha, 2017;Zhao & Li, 2007). Setyowibowo et al (2018) reported that women with breast cancer symptoms had lower QOL than women from the general population, while Sharma and Purkayastha (2017) stated that younger women with breast cancer (30-39 years) had poor QOL levels on physical, social and emotional domains compared with older women (70-79 years). Patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery or modified radical mastectomy were found to have poor physical, emotional and functional well-being (Yu, Lu, & Liu, 2008).…”