Health-related quality of life in patients with breast cancer surgery and undergoing chemotherapy in Ahmednagar district

Background: Breast cancer in India it varies from as low as 5 per 100,000 female populations per year in rural areas to 30 per 100,000 female populations per year in urban areas. Medical treatments of surgery, chemotherapy etc. for cancer usually precipitates with serious adverse effects affecting overall quality of life in physical, psychological and social aspects. Objective of the Study: To evaluate health related quality of life in patients who had been followed up after the breast cancer surgery for chemotherapy at our hospital. Methods: Quality of life was documented using European Organization of Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire-Cancer 30 (EORTC QOL-C30) and European Organization of Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire-Breast 23 (EORTC QOL-BR23). Results: After analysis of EORTC QOL-C30 questionnaire, participants had maximum affection of cognitive, social and physical functions and reported high levels of pain, fatigue and insomnia. Domains of EORTC QOL-BR23, the such as worry about self body image, sexual dysfunction, upset by hair loss, systemic therapy side effects, breast and arm symptom were reported by maximum participants. Various domains of quality of life were maximally affected in patients of breast cancer surgery undergoing chemotherapy. Health care professionals in the field of Oncology should address the above mentioned domains of quality of life in Indian patients with breast cancer surgery undergoing chemotherapy. Conclusion: Comprehensive cancer management plan should include psychological counseling, emotional support, physiotherapy care for pain and other musculoskeletal problems etc. along with medical treatment of patients with breast cancer.

Automated summary

The study found that patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery were significantly affected in cognitive, social, and physical functions, and reported high levels of pain, fatigue, and insomnia. Many patients expressed concerns about body image, sexual dysfunction, hair loss, chemotherapy side effects, indicating that breast cancer patients face multiple challenges during the chemotherapy process.