scholarly journals What contributes the most to the breast cancer patients’ quality of life during the therapy - clinical factors, functional and affective state or social support?

2021 ◽  
pp. 24-24
Author(s):  
Ivana Novakov ◽  
Svetlana Popovic-Petrovic ◽  
Sonja Ilincic-Zlatar ◽  
Milanka Tatic ◽  
Mirjana Sevo

Background/Aim. As significant advances in cancer treatment have occurred over the decades, the crucial questions in oncology nowadays are not related only to the treatment of illness, but also to the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The goal of our study was to explore which set of determinants (clinical, functional, affective, or social) has the greatest impact on explaining QOL in women who live with diagnosis of breast cancer in Serbia. Methods. The research was conducted on 64 women (Mage=58.36, SD=11.30) while undergoing radiation therapy at Oncology institute of Vojvodina. QOL-BC was used as a measure of physical, psychological, social, spiritual and general well-being, UEFI was applied for the assessment of the upper extremity function, DASS-21 was used for measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, MOS-SSS served as a measure of social support, while demographic and clinical data were also collected. Results. ANOVA with repeated measures, F(2.03, 127.80 )=20.24, p<.001, showed that in our sample, physical QOL was significantly better from all other domains, while social QOL was significantly lower from both physical and psychological aspect. A hierarchical regression analysis, F(8, 55)=7.16, p<.001, R2=.51, showed that patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, who experienced high levels of stress and poor social support, tend to have diminished general QOL. Intoduction of affective-related variables, ?R2=.16, p(?F)<.01, and social support, ?R2=.05, p(?F)<.05, led to a significant increase in proportion of explained variance over and above clinical and functional variables. Conclusion. Our results indicate that psychological and social resources are more important in predicting QOL, compared to clinical and funcitonal factors. At the same time, social, psychological and spiritual well-being of patients is significantly worse compared to physical QOL, meaning that there is still much left to be done regarding the progress from a purely somatic to a holistic approach in treatment of breast cancer.

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-206
Author(s):  
Mosammat Shamsun Naher Begum ◽  
Wongchan Petpichetchian ◽  
Luppana Kitrungrote

Background: The present study was aimed to the relationships between symptom severity and distress and quality of life (QoL) of patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.Objectives and methodology: A total number of 132 patients, attending both In-patient and Out-patient department and fulfilling the recruitment criteria were included in the study. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data from the eligible participants by the primary investigator. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results: On average, the participants of the study experienced seventeen symptoms with moderate level. The level of QoL of the participants was at moderate level (M=2.02, SD=0.39). Among all the subscales, the physical well-being had the lowest score and social well-being had highest score. Symptom experience and quality of life showed significant negative correlation. Conclusion: The patients with breast cancer would experience high symptoms during a 7-day period after receiving chemotherapy of the previous cycle. Nurses need to perform full measurement of multiple symptoms when care for breast cancer patients after the administration of chemotherapy.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(2) 2016 p.201-206


2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnese Dzērvīte ◽  
Maruta Pranka ◽  
Tana Lace ◽  
Ritma Rungule ◽  
Edvins Miklasevics ◽  
...  

Summary Introduction. Health related quality of life is a much debated topic in medicine with much quantitative and qualitative research contributing to the understanding of how to improve the lives of patients, yet little has been published in relation to the quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients. Aim of the Study. To gather base measurements of subjective and objective quality of life factors for breast cancer patients in Latvia and discover which key factors contribute most to quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients at the start of treatment. Materials and Methods. This paper presents data collected from April 2010 to June 2011 at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University hospital on key factors influencing quality of life for breast cancer patients: health and physical well-being; state of surroundings and environment; social support and functionality; financial state, employment and leisure. Quantitative survey material has been supplemented with insight from qualitative in-depth interviews to better explain the objective and subjective implications for breast cancer patients’ quality of life. Results. Interviewed breast cancer patients rated their quality of life as being average or good at the beginning of treatment. Negative factors contributing to lowered quality of life were mainly linked to patient financial, social and emotional state at the first weeks of treatment and correspond to previous research done in Latvia on quality of life issues. Conclusions. Further follow-up surveys will contribute to the evaluation of breast cancer patients’ needs while undergoing treatment to further improve treatment strategies, especially if validated quality of life measurement surveys were to be implemented in Latvian hospitals.


Author(s):  
Melisa Anderson ◽  
Dwayne Tucker ◽  
Fabian G. Miller ◽  
Kurt Vaz ◽  
Lennox Anderson-Jackson ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is a disease in which there is increased proliferation of malignant breast cells. This disease is more likely to begin in the ducts or lobules rather than the connective tissue. Globally, breast cancer is the most regularly diagnosed cancer. It is also a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in females. While cancer of the breast affects the physical aspect of patients, it can also negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) of survivors. There is a dearth of information, especially in the last decade, on the negative impact of breast cancer and treatment modalities on the QoL of patients. This review of the literature will examine the QoL and well-being of breast cancer patients to present a current perspective on the topic. Major findings of past and present articles that have contributed to improving the care of breast cancer patients will be summarized and included.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 153473541988059
Author(s):  
Tetiana Odynets ◽  
Yuriy Briskin ◽  
Valentina Todorova

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different exercise interventions on quality of life parameters in breast cancer patients during 1 year of outpatient rehabilitation. Material and Methods: A total of 115 breast cancer patients met the eligibility criteria and completed the study. Participants were randomly allocated for the water exercise interventions (group A, n = 45), for the Pilates exercise interventions (group B, n = 40), and yoga exercise interventions (group C, n = 30). The 3 groups attended relevant programs for 1 year and received 144 rehabilitation sessions. Quality of life parameters were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy questionnaire with a specific module for breast cancer patients (FACT-B). Quality of life data were recorded at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of exercise interventions. Results: A significant increase in quality of life indicators was observed in participants of all groups. Based on the results of the 12-month monitoring, patients of group A scored significantly more points for emotional well-being compared with group B and group C by 1.40 points ( P < .05) and 1.69 points ( P < .01), respectively, as well as by breast cancer subscale by 2.15 points ( P < .05) compared with group B. Patients in group C scored significantly better compared with group A in social/family well-being by 2.80 points ( P < .01). Conclusions: It was found that using water exercise intervention is more effective for improving emotional well-being and decreasing negative symptoms associated with breast cancer treatment compared with Pilates and yoga interventions, while yoga was more effective in improving social/family well-being. Further research on water interventions for different populations is warranted.


2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Marzena Kamińska ◽  
Tomasz Ciszewski ◽  
Agnieszka Bronikowska ◽  
Maria Ferańska ◽  
Agnieszka Pawlak-Warszawska ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer diagnosed in women. Its treatment is a combined therapy and the sequence and time are established according to the accepted standards in Poland. Consequences posed by this disease include disorder in the physical, mental and social spheres in women. Adapting to cancer is very important for the process of treatment, and the acceptance of the disease is the determinant. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the degree of acceptance of the illness and the assessment of quality of life among breast cancer patients during cancer treatment. Material and methods. The survey included 85 ill people treated in a conserving way and 94 ill people treated by breast amputation. Patients after the surgical procedure were subjected to adjuvant treatment involving chemotherapy (90 women) and/or endocrine therapy (87 women). The study used standardized questionnaires EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer): QLQC-30 and the scale (AIS Approval IIIness Scale). Results. The highest level of acceptance of the disease, so the best ability to adapt to cancer have those women who have undergone radical mastectomy and adjuvant hormone therapy during the treatment. The lowest level of acceptance of the illness, expressed as a negative assessment was observed in women after BCT and during chemotherapy treatment. The use of the EORTC QLQC-30 to assess the overall health and quality of life of patients allowed us to capture statistically significant differences in the percentages stating good health, with the relatively highest negative response rates which were observed in the subgroups treated with chemotherapy and hormone therapy. With regard to the highest quality of life, the percentage of negative responses was observed in subgroups treated with the use of hormone therapy and after mastectomy. Conclusions. Good acceptance of the disease was obtained by women treated for breast cancer who have undergone mastectomy in the course of adjuvant endocrine therapy. The assessment of general health and quality of life was influenced by oncological treatment. Patients during chemotherapy and hormone therapy showed a negative impact of this form of treatment on overall well-being and functioning.Patients after mastectomy and during hormone therapy treatment showed a comparatively lower quality of life compared to a group of patients after BCT and during treatment with chemotherapy


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 113-113
Author(s):  
TS Wiley ◽  
Jason T. Haraldsen

113 Background: Many treatments for breast cancer block the estrogen receptors to reduce the risk of relapse. However, this treatment results in massive changes to the normal hormonal milieu. When the normal rhythmic hormonal patterns are disrupted, either through treatment or normal menopause, women typically experience a multitude of harsh symptoms with little affect on relapse rate. We set out to examine and evaluate the effects of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) treatments via a bio-mimetic bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BBHRT). We theorized, through the analysis of physiological and clinical literature, that the use BBHRT in the normal physiological pattern of reproductive women will lead to an increase of overall well-being and better quality of life for post-treatment and menopausal women, but does not increase their risk of breast cancer. Methods: E2 and P4 control over 9,000 different gene products and a disruption of these processes can lead to an increase in illnesses of aging including cancer. Through an evaluation of current literature, we theorize that a BBHRT approach utilizing E2 and P4 in a bio-mimetic manner to restore a woman’s body to normal hormonal levels can be achieved through twice-daily transdermal applications of hormonal creams with peaks in serum levels on days 12 and 21. The proposed method uses compounded, bio-identical hormones dosed to mimic the female reproductive cycle. Results: While this is a proposed clinical study, it is expected that women will experience resolution of menopausal and post-treatment symptoms, including better sleep, decreased migraines and incontinence, increased focus, and increased libido. By restoring the normal hormonal rhythm, it is anticipated that the body’s natural response elements will help restore both quality of life and well being, while also protecting from possible relapse. Conclusions: We propose a method to provide better quality of life and well being for women through BHRT that combines the use of E2 and P4 in a manner that mimics a woman’s normal reproductive levels. While a small long-term study of this method has shown promising results, we conclude that further, most detailed studies are still needed.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 4387-4395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyson B. Moadel ◽  
Chirag Shah ◽  
Judith Wylie-Rosett ◽  
Melanie S. Harris ◽  
Sapana R. Patel ◽  
...  

Purpose This study examines the impact of yoga, including physical poses, breathing, and meditation exercises, on quality of life (QOL), fatigue, distressed mood, and spiritual well-being among a multiethnic sample of breast cancer patients. Patients and Methods One hundred twenty-eight patients (42% African American, 31% Hispanic) recruited from an urban cancer center were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to a 12-week yoga intervention (n = 84) or a 12-week waitlist control group (n = 44). Changes in QOL (eg, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy) from before random assignment (T1) to the 3-month follow-up (T3) were examined; predictors of adherence were also assessed. Nearly half of all patients were receiving medical treatment. Results Regression analyses indicated that the control group had a greater decrease in social well-being compared with the intervention group after controlling for baseline social well-being and covariates (P < .0001). Secondary analyses of 71 patients not receiving chemotherapy during the intervention period indicated favorable outcomes for the intervention group compared with the control group in overall QOL (P < .008), emotional well-being (P < .015), social well-being (P < .004), spiritual well-being (P < .009), and distressed mood (P < .031). Sixty-nine percent of intervention participants attended classes (mean number of classes attended by active class participants = 7.00 ± 3.80), with lower adherence associated with increased fatigue (P < .001), radiotherapy (P < .0001), younger age (P < .008), and no antiestrogen therapy (P < .02). Conclusion Despite limited adherence, this intent-to-treat analysis suggests that yoga is associated with beneficial effects on social functioning among a medically diverse sample of breast cancer survivors. Among patients not receiving chemotherapy, yoga appears to enhance emotional well-being and mood and may serve to buffer deterioration in both overall and specific domains of QOL.


2011 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 923-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Cousson-Géalie ◽  
Marilou Bruchon-Schweitzer ◽  
Thierry Atzeni ◽  
Nadine Houede

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate that a specific psychosocial intervention changes reactions to cancer and quality of life. This study was carried out on 66 patients with a first breast cancer. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a specific intervention group (G1, 8 sessions) or a support group (G2, 8 sessions). A control group (G3) was composed of patients who refused to participate in psychological intervention. Social support, perceived control, repression of emotions, coping strategies, emotional distress, and quality of life were assessed one week before (T1) and at the end (T2) of the psychological intervention. Results showed that G1 did not have significantly modified quality of life or psychological scores. Patients of G2 had poorer emotional quality of life, use of internal causal attributions, and minimized their illness at T1 as compared to patients of G3. At Time 2 these differences were not observed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahel Aberaraw ◽  
Jemal Hussien ◽  
Abdisa Boka ◽  
Roza Teshome ◽  
Addisu Yeshambel

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a major life-threatening public health problem worlwide. It is the most common form of cancer among women in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Social support could change the course of cancer and can influence the quality of life among breast cancer patients. Therefore, purpose of this study was to assess social support and quality of life among female breast cancer patients attending in Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019.Methods A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia from March to April 2019. A total of 214 female breast cancer patients were included and a systematic sampling method was used. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data entry was done using epi data manager version 4.2. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25. Binary and multiple logistic regression was used to show the association of social support and quality of life. Variables significantly associated were declared at P-value <0.05 and 95%CI was used.Result A total of 214 women with breast cancer were recruited. Of the total participants, 124(58%) had good social support. It was found that participants who were college graduated (AOR=3, 95%CI: 1.5, 5.9 COR=3.2) and who had high monthly income(AOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.2,8.5, COR= 5.39) were more likely to have good social support. It was also found that participants who were illiterate (AOR=3, 95%CI: 1.3,6.9, COR=4.8, p-value=0.008), who had systematic therapy side effects(AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.1,13, COR=4, p-value=0.035)and participants who had problem of appetite loss(AOR=3.5, 95%CI: 1.02,12COR=4, p-value= 0.047) were more likely to have affected QoL. Conclusion In this study finding, social support and, quality of life in breast cancer patients was low. Healthcare providers should enhance social support which may help to improve the quality of life of women with breast cancer.


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