Do the unmet needs affect the quality of life in breast cancer patients?

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is an important disease and one where healthcare services have the potential to improve the quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between unmet needs and the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This study comprised one hundred breast cancer patients who attended the Oncology Outpatient Clinic in Cukurova University between April and June 2001. Three questionnaires were used: questionnaires for demographic details, unmet needs and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Questionnaire QoL.

RESULTS

There was significant correlation between QoL score and unmet needs score (r = 0.263, p = 0.008) and between QoL score and Napier logarithm (monthly income) (r = 0.257, p = 0.011). There was a significant difference in QoL score by occupation (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

It is important to assess patients psychologically so as to make interventions about their psychosocial needs which affect QoL. This will require the re-evaluation of doctor-patient communication and interventions for improvement of this relationship.