Quality of life in patients with breast cancer post modified radical mastectomy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose - To assess the quality of life in patients with breast cancer post Modified Radical Mastectomy. Method: This is a Cross-sectional study aimed to assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with breast cancer who underwent Modified Radical Mastectomy. A total of 120 participants who had undergone the procedure between May 2017 to May 2022 were included in the study. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) version 4 questionnaire was used to evaluate the Quality of Life of the participants. The participants were divided into three groups based on the duration of follow-up: Group 1 (more than three years follow-up), Group 2 (two years follow-up), and Group 3 (one-year follow-up). Results: There were 27 participants in Group 1, 42 in Group 2, and 51 in Group 3. Spearman analysis revealed significant correlations between demographic/clinical variables and QOL. Negative correlations were found between physical well-being (PWB) and tumor stage (r = -0.90, p = 0.001), and between emotional well-being and tumor stage (r = -0.80, p = 0.0002). Positive correlations were found between social well-being (SWB) and education level (r = 0.74, p = 0.003), as well as the occupation of patients (r = 0.46, p = 0.013). Additionally, 23% of patients expressed concerns about their body image and reconstruction surgery, while 37% faced difficulties in seeking treatment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Tumor stage, Education level, Occupation, and Marital status have an impact on the Quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Quality of Life was affected due to surgical wound-related problems and difficulties in seeking adjuvant treatment during the first year of treatment. While during the consequent period, it was affected due to local and systemic recurrence, lymph-edema, and body image concerns.