AIMS

To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) in patients with early stage invasive carcinoma of the breast treated with conservative surgery and postoperative irradiation.

METHODS

A mailed survey to examine QOL was conducted in 227 subjects with breast cancer treated in 1990 and 1994 with conservation surgery plus definitive irradiation. The self-compiled questionnaire was developed based on a series of 38 items assessing six core areas of QOL. Furthermore, the patients were requested to evaluate the degree of information provided by the medical staff concerning the disease, the treatment and related side effects and to evaluate the effects of the treatment on their social, overall QOL, and health status.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 156 patients (68.7%) who had a median age of 56 years (range, 28-75 years) at the time of treatment and 59 years (range, 31-82 years) at the time of the study. The physical condition was reported to be good. Data relating to sexual life were provided by more than 90% of the patients. Some limitations in sexuality, some interference with sexual desire, and some modifications during intercourse were reported by 11, 11, and 10 patients, respectively. The subjective evaluations of the cosmetic results of the therapies were judged good-excellent by 56% of the patients, 12 (8%) only had a negative perception of their body image. Twenty-five percent of the sample declared that they felt tense, 19% nervous, 18% lonely, 27% anxious and 16% depressed. Only six patients (4%) declared that the treatment had had a bad on their social life, and 18 (11%) thought that their health status has been affected by the treatment. A worsening of QOL due to the disease or the treatment was reported by 8% of the responders. The amount of information received concerning the treatment and its side effects was considered sufficient by most of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study revealed a satisfactory health-related QOL in patients treated with breast conservation and postoperative irradiation. A preserved favorable body image and lack of a negative impact on sexuality was observed, even though about half of the patients reported a negative judgement on esthetic outcome. Some patients had persistent psychosocial concerns. No significant additional problems attributable to radiation therapy capable of affecting QOL outcomes were reported.