Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Over 18 Months
Author Information
Author(s): Montazeri Ali, Vahdaninia Mariam, Harirchi Iraj, Ebrahimi Mandana, Khaleghi Fatemeh, Jarvandi Soghra
Primary Institution: Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research (IHSR), ACECR, Tehran, Iran
Hypothesis
This study examined the impact of breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment on quality of life of women with breast cancer.
Conclusion
Overall, breast cancer patients perceived benefits from their treatment in the long term, but continued to experience issues with quality of life, pain, and body image even after 18 months.
Supporting Evidence
- 167 patients diagnosed with breast cancer were followed up over 18 months.
- Significant differences in quality of life were observed at three time points.
- Patients reported improvements in breast symptoms and future perspective.
- Deteriorations were noted in body image and sexual functioning.
Takeaway
Women with breast cancer can feel better after treatment, but they still have problems like pain and feeling sad about their bodies even a year and a half later.
Methodology
Quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires at three time points: baseline, three months after treatment, and one year after treatment.
Potential Biases
Patients who completed the study differed in age and education from those who dropped out.
Limitations
The study had a small cohort and a significant drop-out rate of nearly one third of patients during follow-up.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 47.2 years, with most being married and having primary or secondary education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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