Predictors of Decreased Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors Five Years After Diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose Due to improved therapy, early diagnosis, and growing incidence rates, the number of long-term breast cancer survivors is increasing. Survivors can still be affected by aftercare, resulting in reduced quality of life (QoL). Thus, in this study, we investigated possible predictors of decreased physical and social functioning in breast cancer survivors. Methods In a German multicenter prospective study, we enrolled 759 female patients with breast cancer before surgery (t1), and contacted them again 5 years after surgery (t4). Data on QoL were assessed at t4 using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Core Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer module EORTC QLQ-BR23. Predictors of decreased physical and social functioning were analyzed using logistic regression with odds ratios as effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Thresholds for the clinical importance of detrimental effects on QoL were defined according to Giesinger. Results Questionnaires from 759 patients were retrieved at t1. Of these, 456 participated in the study at t4. Poor QoL 5 years after diagnosis was reported by 20%–50% of the participants. Age, mastectomy, chemotherapy, education, employment, cohabitation, psychiatric comorbidities at t1, anxiety, depression, and intensity of physical activity emerged as predictors of decreased physical and social functioning 5 years after diagnosis. Conclusion Relief of symptoms and improvement in the QoL should be priorities in aftercare. Detecting patients with a decreased QoL is a rising challenge. Healthcare providers should take special care of patients aged 50–59 years, patients with psychiatric comorbidities and depression, and patients who have undergone mastectomy.

Biofeedback-Based Proprioceptive Training to Improve Functional Prerequisites of Dragon Boating in Breast Cancer Survivors

“…Despite the steadily increasing survival rate, BC occurrence is a weighty event deeply compromising the psychophysical functionality of the affected subjects, especially due to treatment-related sequelae [4,92]. Since the resultant symptoms can emotionally and physically burden the daily life of BC survivors, with a drastic decrease in their perceived quality of life [30,93], the promotion of healthy habits that involve regular physical activity becomes essential to minimize and counteract such a complex clinical status [94][95][96][97].…”

Long-term quality of life after breast surgery—are breast conserving surgery and mastectomy comparable?

“…Age plays an important role in the deterioration of quality of life after breast cancer surgery. While this has been demonstrated for all surgical approaches, the effect is more pronounced after mastectomy ( 5 ). In another recently published analysis young age was associated with poorer social and sexual function, as well as poorer sexual enjoyment and lower expectations of the future ( 6 ).…”