The impact of demographic factors on quality of life in women after breast cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND

Health is the main focus of studies on quality of life. Cancer can lead to changes in quality of life in postmastectomy women.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine the relation among sociodemographic factors and to assess the quality of life of women with breast cancer a year from their surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center cross-sectional study included 104 participants (50 participants with mastectomy and 54 participants with quadrantectomy) aged from 37 to 72 years. The 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was used to assess physical, psychological, and social functioning of participants, as well as their sociodemographic factors and the clinical variables of the treatment.

RESULTS

Participants with quadrantectomy aged up to 50 years had a significantly higher score when assessed in social functioning and mental/emotional health. Older participants expressed no significant differences in quality of life. Participants with quadrantectomy in all age groups had a higher score in social functioning, mental/emotional health, energy, and vitality than participants with mastectomy.

CONCLUSION

A year from the surgery and cancer treatment, the quality of life of postquadrantectomy women was better compared to postmastectomy women.