Anxious Personality and Breast Cancer: Possible Negative Impact on Quality of Life After Breast‐Conserving Therapy

Abstract

BackgroundQuality of Life (QoL) is an important outcome measure in oncology. To assess the influence of surgical treatment and personality on QoL in women with breast cancer, a longitudinal prospective cohort study was done.MethodsWomen (n = 222) completed questionnaires concerning QoL (WHOQOL 100) and personality (NEO-FFI and STAI) prior to the diagnosis of breast cancer and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis and treatment. One hundred five women were treated with breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and 117 women underwent mastectomy (MTC).ResultsThe two treatment groups did not differ on overall QoL. At all measurement times the influence of trait anxiety on overall QoL was substantial in the BCT group. Women with a high score on trait anxiety were seven times more likely to have a low overall QoL 1 year after BCT. In the MTC group overall QoL was influenced mainly by neuroticism.ConclusionsPersonality, especially trait anxiety and neuroticism, determined patients’ overall QoL scores. Women with an anxious personality fared worse concerning QoL after breast conserving therapy.