Quality of life and anxiety in women with breast cancer before and after treatment

Abstract

Objectives:to determine the quality of life and anxiety in patients with breast cancer and the changes they experience after treatments. Method:prospective study. Breast cancer statistics (n=339, confidence=95%, accuracy= ± 5.32%). The quality of life questionnaires (QLQ) used were QLQ C-30 and QLQ Br23, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used for anxiety. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with baseline quality of life and anxiety as well as pre- and post-treatment differences. Authorization was obtained from the Ethics Committee, and informed consent was provided by all patients. Results:the baseline quality of life dimensions with the lowest score were future prospects (46.0/100) and sexual enjoyment (55.7/100). The dimensions with the highest score were body image (94.2/100) and role (93.3/100). The most disturbing symptoms were insomnia, fatigue and concern about hair loss. After treatment, the dimensions of physical function, role, body image, financial concerns and symptomatology worsened, whereas emotional function and future prospects improved. Severe anxiety presented as a state (48.6%) and as a trait (18.2%). The highest baseline state anxiety was associated with married-widowed status and anxiolytic medication. The greatest trait anxiety was associated with an inactive work situation, anxiolytic medication, breast swelling and advanced stage at diagnosis. After treatment, anxiety significantly decreased. Conclusions:After treatment, the quality of life score was positively modified, while state and trait anxiety decreased.

Assessment of age-related influences on the quality of life of breast cancer patients before and after surgical treatment

“…The extent of the surgical intervention, whether complete mastectomy or breast-conserving therapy, has a negative effect on body image, sexual relations, and social activities, and it can be said that a breast cancer diagnosis represents one predictor of depression 21 . As society favors physical appearance and attractiveness, it is generally accepted that surgical intervention leads to an impaired QoL, including social interactions [22][23][24] . Psychological effects can have an influence on breast cancer patients' day-to-day lives and can affect their social and vocational interactions.…”

Social support and quality of life in Greek women with breast cancer during chemotherapy and two years later

“…This result is inconsistent with previous studies according to which the higher the educational level of women with breast cancer, the better the level of QoL they experience. Timperi et al (2013) found that women with breast cancer had better QoL than patients who had a low educational level while others highlight that the high educational level helps them to have better access to information, a better set of tools and disease management strategies (Villar et al, 2017). Regarding the role of educational level in the perceived social support of women patients regardless of the group they belong to, we found no statistically significant differences between the two groups.…”

Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde e Risco de Comorbidade Cardiovascular ao Diagnóstico de Câncer de Mama

“…Revista Brasileira de Cancerologia 2019; 65(3): e-12713 e vascular. Resultados similares foram obtidos em outras populações 12,14 . Em um estudo de coorte com 542 mulheres dinamarquesas ao diagnóstico de câncer de mama, em sua maioria com estádio clínico I (31%) ou II (41%), 10% apresentavam uma comorbidade e 10% apresentavam ≥2 comorbidades (aferidas pelo Índice de Comorbidade de Charlson [ICC]).…”

“…Em estudo realizado com 339 mulheres espanholas diagnosticadas com câncer de mama, sendo a maioria com estádios I (44,3%) e II (38,1%), a média do escore de saúde global foi de 69,2 (± 21,1) e melhores escores foram obtidos nas escalas de função física (92,3±12,4) e função geral (93,3±14,3), e piores escores nos sintomas de insônia (31,7±29,8) e fadiga (15,8±17,5). As mulheres com pior escore de saúde global apresentaram risco 2,07 vezes maior de apresentar comorbidades aferidas pelo ICC (OR=2,07 IC 95% 1,29-3,30) 14 .…”

“…Durante todas as fases do tratamento, desde o momento do diagnóstico, as pacientes passam por experiências emocionais e físicas que impactam diretamente na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) 10,11 . Estudos realizados com aquelas que apresentam comorbidades relatam pior pontuação na escala de qualidade de vida ao diagnóstico de câncer de mama [12][13][14] .…”