Satisfaction with the Aesthetic Effect and Quality of Life for Women after Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT)—Preliminary Research

Abstract

All methods of breast cancer treatment may potentially lead to breast deformities, which are often associated with the reduced mental well-being of patients. Breast conserving therapy (BCT) is commonly used, and its core element is breast conserving surgery (BCS).The aim of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of surgery and quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients undergoing BCT in a longitudinal study performed three months, six months and 12 months after surgery. This longitudinal observational study was carried out on a group of 91 women. The Breast-QTM BCT 1.0 questionnaire was used in this study. Before surgery, patients assessed their satisfaction with the appearance of their breasts (SwB) at an average level of M = 56.0. Satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome (SwO) of BCS was highest among all patients three months after surgery (M = 63.0). The mean score in the sub-scale of psychosocial well-being (Psycho-soc W-B) before surgery was M = 62.0, while in the subsequent periods of the study, it was higher. The mean score for physical well-being (Physical W-B) before surgery was M = 69.92; and in the subsequent study periods, it was lower. The level of patient satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery and the QoL related to health do not differ significantly in post-operative observation. QoL in terms of psychosocial functioning in patients undergoing BCT is significantly higher 12 months after surgery compared to the pre-operative period. Patient satisfaction with the BCS aesthetic outcome is positively related to the evaluation of QoL in terms of psychosocial functioning.

Long-Term Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life After Breast-Conserving Therapy: A Prospective Study Using the BREAST-Q

“…In our study, the mean ''satisfaction with breasts'' scores were slightly higher than those of Krzos et al 32 The reported mean scores were 56.0 before surgery, 63.0 at 3 months after surgery, and 62.2 at the 1-year follow-up evaluation. 30 In another study by O'Connell et al 30 evaluating 200 patients 1 to 6 years after BCT, the mean ''satisfaction with breasts'' score was 69.9, comparable with our results at the 1-year follow-up evaluation.…”

Patient-reported outcomes of ductoscopy procedures for pathologic nipple discharge

“…For Breast-Q the average patient was satisfied with the outcome, with scores higher than reported by studies that assessed QOL of patients undergoing breast conserving surgery [ 36 , 37 ], and all domains scored well in internal and external validity. Regarding average sexual well-being, this was reported to be stably low in our study, likely associated with PND itself.…”

Impact of Breast Conservation Surgery Versus the Modified Radical Mastectomy on the Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Pakistan

“…In Brazil 15 it was reported that there was significant difference in the physical functioning and social interaction scoring with better QoL reported in conservation surgery group, especially in younger population and educated participants. Krzos et al 16 reported from Poland that better aesthetic outcomes resulted in improved QoL in terms of psychosocial parameters in all stages of observation.…”