A Comparison Between Modified Radical Mastectomy and Breast-Conserving Surgery Concerning the Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer Under 50 Years of Age

Abstract

surgery (BCS) to those having undergone modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Material and Methods: Forty-four BCS and 27 MRM patients have been included in this retrospective study. All patients have completed adjuvant chemotherapies and radiation therapies. MRM patients who received breast reconstruction surgery afterwards, patients who experienced local or distant organ relapse, or patients over fifty years old have been excluded. Each patient’s quality of life has been evaluated using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), 6 months after the completion of their treatment. Results: Between BCS and MRM groups, no significant difference of age, height, weight and body mass index was observed. While the BCS group yielded better results from the SF-36 subscales, i.e. physical functioning, physical role functioning, emotional role functioning, social role functioning, bodily pain, and general health perceptions, the only measures illustrating a significant difference were vitality and mental health, in comparison of BCS with MRM group (p= 0.043 and p= 0.023, respectively). Conclusion: In the treatment of breast cancer, enhancing patients’ quality of life is just as essential as improving survivals. Our research demonstrates higher quality of life in BCS patients, highlighting the statistical difference of the vitality and mental health subscales of the SF-36, compared with the MRM group.