Decreased Health Related Quality of Life among Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Introduction: The breast cancer survivors’ population is growing due to the increased rate of early diagnosis and appropriate management. Hispanics (Latinos) constitute a rapidly growing population. Hispanic cancer survivors are often left without appropriate follow up care after completion of therapy, partly because of the lack of financial support and resources, and limited awareness of possible subsequent physical and mental health problems among those survivors. We sought to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of the Hispanic breast cancer survivors in El Paso, TX, a large American-Mexican border city, using a validated Health related-Quality of life survey (HRQOL SF-36). Materials and Methods: After IRB approval, we recruited Hispanic women within their first 5 years post-diagnosis with Stages I, II, or III breast cancer, and who have completed their active chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. They were provided with a written SF-36 questionnaire. We analyzed the two main components of the SF-36, the physical health through a Physical Component Summary (PCS), and the mental health, through a Mental Component Summary (MCS). Results were compared with the US healthy population (mean 50) using a one sample t-test. SF-36 scores were also compared with similar studies using a two sample t-test. Results:The study suggests that both the physical and mental components of QoL were low. PCS was significantly lower than one standard deviation below the US norm whereas MCS was approximately one third of a standard deviation below the US norm; 47% of all survivors reported that physical or emotional problems interfere with their normal social activities; 39% of all patients reported having emotional problems like depression and anxiety; and 77% indicated difficulty performing their work. The mean PCS and MCS scores of our Hispanic population were inferior to similar non-Hispanic breast cancer survivors’ population in other studies. Conclusion: Hispanic breast cancer survivors in El Paso, TX have decreased mental and physical health related QoL compared to healthy U.Swomen and possibly other breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Further investigation is needed to determine the possible underlying causes of health disparities in breast cancer survivors and identify strategies to improve these outcomes.