HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER SURGERY AND UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY IN AHMEDNAGAR DISTRICT.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate health related quality of life in patients who had been followed up after the breast cancer surgery for chemotherapy at our hospital. 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). 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. Comprehensive cancer management plan should include psychological counseling, emotional support, physiotherapy care for pain and other musculoskeletal problems etc. adjunct to medical treatment of patients with breast cancer.

Keywords: Breast cancer surgery, Chemotherapy, Quality of life, QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR23.