Calidad de vida en pacientes con linfedema por cáncer de seno en la ciudad de Medellín

Objective: This study intends to evaluate the quality of life of a group of patients with lymphedema due to breast cancer in the city of Medellin. Methodology: A descriptive correlational study was carried out with a quantitative approach, with the purpose of evaluating the quality of life in patients with lymphedema due to breast cancer, analyzing its relationship with symptoms; treatments received; and arm circumferences. The analyzed population consisted of 11 women. In which pain, perimeters of both arms were evaluated, and the FACT B + 4 Quality of life questionnaire was also implemented. Results: From Spearman’s correlations, it was found that, for the variables of quality of life and perimeters of the affected arm, the correlation was inverse and not significant, indicating that there is no negative perception of quality of life despite the presence of lymphedema, while, for the number of treatments received by the patients and their quality of life, the correlation was inverse and significant, indicating that an increase in the number of treatments received, affects the perception of quality of life. The same analysis was developed for the variables of quality of life and pain, finding a significant and inverse correlation; therefore, as pain increases, the perception of quality of life decreases. Conclusion: The quality of life is an element that is influenced by the amount of cancer treatments received, which increases the side effects, and impacts the well-being of patients including lymphedema, also, pain is a complication that greatly influences the quality of life, even more if it is not timely treated.