Strengthening the Survivors -A cross sectional survey of the impact of breast cancer on health-related quality of life among Indian females - Hitherto A Neglected Aspect.

Introduction: The most common cancer among women in the world is breast cancer. The diagnosis of breast cancer and its type of treatment have a significant impact on health and well-being and influence quality of Life among breast cancer patients. Objective: To assess the Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients undergoing cancer treatment in selected cancer hospital, Bhopal. Methodology: Two hundred subjects were selected (100 in breast cancer group and 100 in healthy control group) through convenient sampling. Study participants were interviewed using standardized EORTC C30 and BR23 quality of life questionnaire. Results: Findings revealed that majority of the breast cancer patients were from 41-50 years age group, married, residing in urban areas, illiterate and housewives. Most of them had stage II cancer and were receiving chemotherapy. Mean score of physical functioning (57.73±23.94), role functioning (68.16±32.31), cognitive functioning (57±1.08), nausea and vomiting (30.17±36.13), pain (38±33.08); dyspnea (28±35.99), insomnia (41±39.60), body image (54.08±28.88), breast symptoms (30.08±24.56), arm symptoms (40.11±29.75) and upset by hair loss (54.33±40.94) indicated average QOL among breast cancer patients. Mean score for global health status (35.42± 21.40), emotional functioning (44±31.84), social functioning (33.83±32.52), fatigue (52.77±29.60), appetite loss (58±39), future perspective (35.67±37.38) and systemic therapy side effects (54.52±21.93) indicated poor QOL. Mean score of financial difficulties (77±32.03), sexual functioning (16.33±25.28) and sexual enjoyment (14±24.7) represented worst QOL among breast cancer patient. Conclusion: Patients having breast cancer had significantly lower quality of life as compared to healthy subjects in the area of global health status, functional scale and symptom scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]