Abstract P6-08-02: Quality of life in breast cancer patients after breast conservation surgery or modified radical mastectomy - A comparative study from a tertiary cancer care center in India

Abstract

Abstract Background: The research in QOL of breast cancer patients has been predominantly focussed on the western world and has yielded mixed results. However there is a paucity of QOL data in Indian patients. Due to increasing incidence of breast cancer in the Indian population, it is imperative to look into the QOL experienced by patients after treatment. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess any difference in QOL experienced by women having undergone Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS) and by those having undergone a Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) in a tertiary cancer care center. Methodology: Total 75 patients were assessed prospectively (MRM = 43, BCS = 32) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Breast (FACT - B) Version 4 scale. Patients diagnosed with Stage I, II or III breast cancers were assessed after 6 months post completion of all treatment. Results: The Mann Whitney - U test showed that the overall QOL did not differ significantly across the two groups but the FACT - G (General) and Functional Well Being (FWB) subscale showed that BCS patients fared better than those of MRM with P-values of 0.033 and 0.031 respectively(Table 1). MRM patients did not experience significantly lower body image and decreased sexual functioning when compared to the BCS patients. Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the QOL experienced by patients of MRM and BCS. However BCS patients did report higher levels of functionality as well as general QOL without considering factors specific to breast cancer. The lack of difference between body image and sexual functioning was in sharp contrast to the findings in western literature and can be explained by the cultural variance. Implications: This study will serve the purpose of establishing the need for further culturally appropriate investigations into QOL of breast cancer patients as well as lend impetus to more targeted, culture appropriate forms of psychosocial intervention. Difference between QOL for BCS and MRM patients BCS (Median)MRM (median)P-valuePhysical Well Being25.5240.088Social Well Being25.435240.266Emotional Well Being23200.188Functional Well Being27.5250.031*Breast Cancer Subscale26.5270.855Trial Outcome Index78730.133FACT - G99.5910.033*FACT - B124.51170.065*significant at the 0.05 level Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-08-02.