SF-36 quality of life questionaire evaluation in a large cohort of women with breast cancer treated with hormonotherapy

Abstract

19657 Background: Hormonotherapy (H) is the most widely used treatment against breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study is a prospective evaluation with an enriched the SF-36 questionnaire, of the QOL of BC patients (pt) treated with H at the IOHM. Specific questions regarding menopausal symptoms and body weight were added. Methods: Between Aug 2005 and Nov 2006, all pt that were undergoing H, were requested to fill out a SF-36 self-evaluation form. The SF-36 is a multi-purpose, short-form health survey, with 36 questions about functional health and well-being. The answers were tabulated. The pre-treatment and post-treatment body weight of each pt was registered. Results: Three Hundred and Twenty-six pt were invited to participate, and all of them accepted, and signed a consent form. Characteristics of the population: Diagnosis: DCIS: 36 pt; LCIS: 5 pt; IDC 250 pt; ILC: 35 pt. All cases expressed hormonal receptors. The H was adjuvant in 254 pt (78%) mostly treated with T and palliative in 72 pt (22%) mostly treated with AI. Median age was 62 years, however 63 pt (19%) were pre-menopausal. The median time under treatment was 33 months (range 1–71 m). The pt reported: General evaluation of Quality of life: Very good or excellent: 154 pt (47%) , Good: 134 pt (41%), Poor: 34 pt (11%). Severe limitations for demanding physical activities: 43 pt (13 %). A reduction of time spent on the job: 66 pt (22%). Severe pain during the last four weeks prior to answering the questionnaire: 24 pt (8 %). Weight increase perception: 153 pt (47%). Actual increase of weight: 192 pt (60%) (Median: 4 kg). Menopausal symptoms: Daily Hot Flushes: 132 pt (40%). Vaginal discharge 110 pt (33%) Decrease of libido: 98 pt (30%), Vaginal dryness 76 pt (23%), Nightly sweats: 40 pt (12%). Sixty pt (18%) suffered from and received treatment for menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: 1) The SF-36 is a useful tool to measure the BC patients’ quality of life 2) Although in our cohort most of the patients (88,3%) rated their general QOL as “good to very good”, a third of the pt presented severe menopausal symptoms, and 18% received non hormonal medication for symptoms relief 3) Sixty percent of the pt had a median body weight gain of 4 Kg. No significant financial relationships to disclose.