Quality of life assessment in women with breast cancer: benefits, acceptability and utilization

Abstract

In 2006, breast cancer was the third leading cause of death in American women; however, more women survive breast cancer than any other type of cancer. As the disease progresses, it is important to know how one's health-related quality of life (QOL) is affected for those who receive treatment, those who survive, and those who remain disease-free. The purpose of this study was to summarize the benefits, challenges, and barriers of QOL measurement for female breast cancer patients. A PubMed literature search was conducted using the terms "quality of life" and "breast cancer." The search was then refined with terms related to QOL assessment instruments. The research team reviewed over 100 of the 2,090 articles identified.From the results, a detailed outline of QOL instruments is presented, and the effectiveness of QOL instruments is discussed. In the current literature review, both generic and breast cancer specific QOL instruments, examining computerized and paper-and-pencil versions, are explained as well as the advantages, acceptability, and problems of these assessments. Potential barriers to implementation are also discussed. The implementation of QOL assessment tools in breast cancer clinical practice is discussed, with evidence detailing how such tools would benefit patients.

Treatment outcomes and quality-of-life assessment in a university-based fertility preservation program: Results of a registry of female cancer patients at 2 years

“…However, despite our heterogeneous population, we find the FACT-B to be useful since it addresses specific issues of femininity, self-consciousness, and sexuality identity important to all women regardless of cancer type. As new patients enter the registry, we are reviewing our plan to change to a more generalized QOL assessment for cancer patients such as the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System-Short Form (CARES-SF) or World Health Organization QOL (WHOQOL) [29]. From our short-term QOL assessment, it is apparent that our patients feel supported in their journey as many reported high scores in emotional and social-wellbeing categories with little if any change over our short-term follow-up period.…”

Health-related Quality of Life in Metastatic and Adjuvant Breast Cancer Patients

“…The health-related quality of life of breast cancer patients has been investigated for many years [27,28]; it is particularly important for patients with metastatic disease as the primary goal of therapy for these patients is to provide them with the best possible quality of life during their remaining lifespan [12][13][14]. Adjuvant therapy can also lead to a significant deterioration in patientsʼ quality of life [29].…”

Calidad de vida en cáncer de mama: validación del cuestionario BR23 en Chile

“…En la práctica clínica se busca principalmente contribuir a mejorar las intervenciones [7][8][9] . Permiten, por ejemplo, detectar alteraciones no pesquisadas habitualmente en un control de rutina, como problemas emocionales o cansancio crónico [9][10][11][12] . Se ha demostrado que al abarcar más áreas, el paciente se siente mejor evaluado lo cual permite optimizar la relación médico-paciente y la atención médica 11 .…”