Quality of life in breast cancer patients assessed using the EORTC questionnaires

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of life in a sample of breast cancer patients during treatment. To that end, one hundred and seventy seven consecutive patients at different stages of the disease and who had previously undergone surgery were recruited. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 2.0) and the breast cancer module (QLQ-BR23) at three different points of time during treatment and follow-up. Demographic and clinical variables were also recorded. We have compared groups according to stage and surgery. We have studied the changes in their quality of life over time. The quality of life scores reflect moderate limitations in some dimensions at the three assessments. At the second and third assessment, there were also limitations related to treatment side effects. There were differences on most of the quality of life dimensions between patients at different stages of the disease. The differences between surgery modalities were limited to body image. Quality of life seems relatively stable across the first and second assessments and has improved in some areas at the third in the patients who have filled in the three assessments (n=141). Therapies thus cause some deterioration in quality of life at the second assessment, which has improved by time of the third assessment. The quality of life scores and the clinical variables indicate that the situation of these patients is generally satisfactory. A comparison of scores over time of the patients who have filled in the three questionnaires indicates that these women receive treatment that, in general, they can tolerate adequately.