Assessment of Psychosocial Effect and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Psychological factors and quality of life influence the breast cancer patient (Khan et al., 2010). The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the breast cancer patients’ self-esteem, perceived social support, and quality of life. Sixty patients were taken in this, whose age was between twenty to sixty years. A self-esteem scale, social support questionnaire, and EORTC quality of life questionnaires were used to assess breast cancer patients. All statistical analyzes were completed via SPSS 16.0. The majority of the patients (93%) had high self-esteem and social support (90%). There was a significant association was found between self-esteem and social support (.001). Global health status and functional scores were high. Patients had increased complaints of fatigue, systemic therapy side-effect, and arm symptoms. Participants had suffered increased financial difficulties. It was observed that the sexual activity and sexual enjoyment of the participants had decreased. Breast cancer patients’ self-esteem and social support were high. The overall quality of life in breast cancer patients appeared to be good. The participants had felt more tired, difficulty lifting their arms. Therefore, Higher Self- esteem and social support were strongly associated with a good overall quality of life.