Quality Of Life of Women, Pre- and Post-Operative Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) of women with breast cancer who came for treatment in surgery department before diagnosis and post-operative time period.

Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted at General surgery Department, Islamabad Medical complex, NESCOM, from October 2021 to March 2022. Seventy four diagnosed breast cancer patients, above 18 years of age, who underwent surgical treatment (MRM and Axillary clearance), were selected. QoL was assessed with the help of EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC BR-23 questionnaire. Data was collected on opd follow up and through telephone. SPSS 20 was used to analyze the data and Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed.

Results: The QoL assessed at pre and post operative stage showed positive results only in the future prospects and emotional function domain. Whereas, negative results were scored in rest of the domains, which are symptoms in the arm, body image, financial concerns, sexual pleasure, cognitive function and physical function.

Conclusion: The need for a multidisciplinary approach for breast cancer patients is required regarding different dimensions that can improve their QoL.