Self-reported side effects of breast cancer treatment and its impact on quality of life: a multicenter cross-sectional study in a low- and middle-income country.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in terms of incidence. This study aimed to determine the side effects of breast cancer treatment reported by patients with breast cancer and their quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. The data collection instrument was divided into two distinctive sections. Part (A) collected data covering sex, age at diagnosis, clinical symptoms, complications, treatment measures, and side effects of the treatments. While part (B) of the questionnaire involved the quality-of-life assessment tool, the current study employed the WHOQOL-BREF (Arabic version) as an assessment tool. The data were entered and analysed with the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 21. Two large referral hospitals were involved in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 258 patients with breast cancer participated in this study. In addition to patients with breast cancer, the majority (80.2%) of the patients had one or more comorbid conditions. More than half (59.3%) of the patients were diagnosed less than 3 years ago. With respect to disease stage, 147 (57%) patients were in Stage I, 51 (19.8%) patients were in Stage II, 54 (20.9%) patients were in Stage III, and 6 (2.3%) patients were in Stage IV. Among the patients, 207 (80.2%) received chemotherapy, 159 (61.6%) underwent lumpectomy, 156 (60.5%) received radiotherapy, and 102 (39.5%) underwent mastectomy. Deteriorations in the overall scores were predicted by having comorbidities; having advanced-stage breast cancer; receiving mastectomy; and experiencing headaches, vomiting, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and mouth and throat sores (mucositis), fever, and insomnia (trouble sleeping).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study highlighted the heavy burden of disease and therapy-related adverse effects on the QoL of patients with breast cancer who received treatment in Palestine. Providing comprehensive assessment, personalizing care plans, and reducing the incidence of adverse effects can improve the QoL and well-being of patients with breast cancer. A multidisciplinary holistic care plan for breast cancer patients who integrates physical and mental health support is urgently needed to improve the QoL of these patients.