Psychological Distress and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Women With Breast Cancer: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Globally, breast cancer is commonly found among women, and Sweden has the largest number of new cases diagnosed. Treatment leads to increased survival of patients, but they are at risk to experience psychological distress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms, and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study investigated relationship between psychological distress and HRQoL, and related factors among women with breast cancer in Sweden.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden. A total of 481 women with breast cancer from a list of a regional cancer centre answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic factors, social support, psychological distress and HRQoL. Data were subjected to Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analyzes. Results: Psychological distress was related to HRQoL in terms of body image, future perspective, side effects of systemic therapy, breast symptoms, arm symptoms, and hair loss. Lower age was likely to increase symptoms of anxiety, and undergone breast reconstruction was likely to increase symptoms of depression. Breast reconstruction and chemotherapy worsened body image, low support from partner decreased sexual functioning and enjoyment, and low support from physicians and nurses worsened future perspective, side effects of systemic therapy, breast symptoms and indignation about hair loss.Conclusions: Psychological distress were correlated with the HRQoL. Increased support from physicians, nurses, and partner may increase the HRQoL among women with breast cancer. Treatments of women with breast cancer, such as breast reconstruction and chemotherapy were factors that decreased the psychological distress and increased the HRQoL.