Quality of life among breast cancer patients undergoing treatment in national cancer centers in Nepal.

PURPOSE

To study the quality of life and to identify associated factors among breast cancer patients undergoing treatment in national cancer centers in Nepal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred breast cancer patients were selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-BR23 were used to assess quality of life and modified Medical Outcome Study -Social Support survey(mMOS-SS) was used to assess social support. Only multi-item scales of EORTC C30 and BR23 were analyzed for relationships. Independent sample T-tests and ANOVA were applied to analyze differences in mean scores.

RESULTS

The score of global health status/quality of life (GHS/GQoL) was marginally above average (mean=52.8). The worst performed scales in C-30 were emotional and social function while best performed scales were physical and role function. In BR-23, most of the patients fell into the problematic group regarding sexual function and enjoyment. Almost 90% had financial difficulties. Symptom scales did not demonstrate many problems. Older individuals, patients with stage I breast cancer and thosewith good social support were found to have good GHS/GQoL. Of all the influencing factors, social support was established to have strong statistical associations with most of the functional scales: GHS/GQoL (0.003), emotional function (<0.001), cognitive function (0.020), social function (<0.001) and body image function (0.011). Body image was significantly associated with most of the influencing factors: monthly family income (0.003), type of treatment (<0.001), type of surgery (<0.001), stage of cancer (0.017) and social support (0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies to improve social support of the patients undergoing treatment should be given priority and financial difficulties faced by breast cancer patients should be well addressed from a policy making level by initiating health financing system.