Objective: The survey aims to explore the side effects and quality of life and its determinants among breast cancer patients who have been receiveing adjuvant chemotherapy at Oncology Center - Hue Central Hospital.
Sample and Methods: This cross - sectional study deployed questionnaire - based interviews with 65 patients when they came to the hospital for adjuvant chemotherapy at Oncology Center - Hue Central Hospital from January to June 2020. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS software 21 for Windows.
Results: The sample has an average age of 48,84. Among the total respondents, 50,8% had hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, 61,5% had Her2neu - positive, 7,7% was triple negative breast cancer patients. Most respondents reported having symptoms that decreased their quality of life, such as dry mouth, appetite changes, fatigue, arm pain, and limited mobility in ipsilateral arm. The majority felt insecure because of their asymmetric and less good-looking body image post mastectomy. Most were no longer interested in sexual activities. The rate of stage 3 was 35,4% but there was only 7,7% of patients who had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusion: This survey contributes to understanding of patients’ suffering of symptoms, their concerns and anxiety, and distress during their outpatient care. It also provides information on their thoughts and preferences for options of therapy. Altogether the study carries important implications for clinicians to plan more effective treatment and care for breast cancer patients.
Quality of Life and Its Contributing Factors among Breast Cancer Patients after Intensive Treatment
