Life In Breast Cancer Patients Research Articles

PATH-67. THE ROLE OF STATUS OF HER-2, ESTROGEN-RECEPTOR, BRCA 1, AND BRCA 2, IN THE INCIDENCE OF BRAIN METASTASIS IN BREAST CANCER

Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed tumor in women and the second-leading cause of brain metastasis (BM), with a prevalence ranging from 10-36%. According to the Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics research program, advanced BC patients face an estimated 25% risk of developing BM within 2-3 years after the initial diagnosis. The frequency of BM is significantly increased by the primary tumor profile, including larger tumors, higher nuclear grade, HER-2 positivity, estrogen-receptor negativity, and triple-negative status. A gap remains in the classification of the BM site relative to primary tumor biomarkers, and the absence of multimodality treatment methodologies poses challenges to survival rates and quality of life in BC patients. This retrospective cross-sectional study at Aga Khan University Hospital identified 52 cases of brain metastasis secondary to breast cancer over a 10-year period. The median age of patients was 55 years, ranging from 32 to 78 years. Primary breast tumors were predominantly high-grade ductal carcinomas (65%), followed by lobular carcinomas (25%) and other rare histological types (10%). Secondary brain metastases were primarily located in the cerebrum (60%), cerebellum (25%), and brainstem (15%). Tumor profiles indicated a significant correlation between HER-2 positivity and the development of brain metastasis, with 70% of HER-2 positive patients presenting with extensive brain metastasis. Tumor progression varied, with a median time to brain metastasis of 2.5 years from the initial breast cancer diagnosis. Despite aggressive multimodality treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the overall prognosis remained poor. The study found that early detection of HER-2 positive and triple-negative tumors could potentially delay the progression of brain metastasis through targeted therapies. Mortality rates in this cohort were high, with a median survival of 8 months following the diagnosis of brain metastasis. These findings underscore the need for improved diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies to manage brain metastasis in breast cancer patients.

The quality of life among women with breast cancer: a qualitative study in the environment of healthcare in Morocco

ABSTRACT Breast cancer is a real Moroccan public health problem, deeply affecting the quality of life of patients. This qualitative study aimed to explore the quality of life among breast cancer patients in Morocco. Twenty-three patients were interviewed during November-December 2023. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results showed that patients confirmed the feeling of great depression and anxiety after the announcement of the diagnosis. Side effects of treatment are the most difficult challenge for patients. Married participants reported alteration of sex life and salaried patients abandon their professions. Yet, the patients maintained good self-esteem. These results indicate the need for multidisciplinary interventions to maintain a good quality of life in breast cancer patients.

The Influence of Hospital Service Standards on Quality of Life and Level Severity Chemotherapy Induces Nausea Vomiting (CINV) in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Globally and in Indonesia, breast cancer is a major cause of both new cases and fatalities. One of the recommended therapies for people with breast cancer is chemotherapy. Measuring the quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is necessary to evaluate the treatment provided. Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting (CINV). Purpose: The purpose of the study is to ascertain how hospital service standards impact the quality of life and severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Methods: A non-equivalent control group design and a quasi-experimental research methodology were employed. The study population included patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy at the Baladhika Husada Hospital Jember Chemotherapy Unit and the nearby hospital Soebandi Jember. The study period was 3 weeks and the sample size was 60 patients. Results: The significance value (two-tailed) of WHOQOL from Paired Sample T-Test is less than 0.000 or 0.05, this indicates that his WHOQOL score before and after the exam differed significantly. As for his MAT results, there is no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test phases, as indicated by the significance value p of MAT being more than 1.00 or 0.05. Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrate that while the hospital's standard of has a positive impact on the quality of life but not proven effective in reducing patients' CINV complaints for patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Development and validation of the NCC-BC-A scale to assess patient-reported outcomes for breast cancer patients in China.

The commonly used international patient-reported outcome scales for breast cancer were developed before the advent of multiple targeted therapies and immunotherapies, rendering them potentially insufficient for current clinical practices. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a specific patient-reported outcome scale tailored for breast cancer patients in China to optimize the management model for these patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, and CNKI databases to extract dimensions and items for a potential patient-reported outcome scale. The Delphi method was used to modify, add, subtract, and adjust the language of items until the experts reached a consensus on the first draft. This draft was further refined using a cognitive test and a presurvey. The optimized scale was used for a formal survey, and the items were further analyzed and screened using metrics such as the coefficient of variation, correlation coefficient, internal item consistency, factor analysis, reliability, and validity. A total of 10,954 articles were analyzed, and 237 were used to create a pool of 277 patient-reported outcome items. Through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, the experts' authority coefficients were 0.739 and 0.826. After a cognitive test, several items were adjusted to enhance understanding. Further adjustments were made following a presurvey of 200 advanced breast cancer patients, resulting in a 38-item patient-reported outcomes scale, termed NCC-BC-A. In the national formal survey, 588 advanced breast cancer patients participated. Principal component analysis showed good consistency among the items and sufficient difference between the dimensions. The results were normally distributed with good variation. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.925 and the test-retest reliability was 0.9041. The NCC-BC-A scale has high validity and reliability. It comprehensively considered the characteristics of systemic treatment for breast cancer, and the specific context within China. Its implementation may help clinicians to pay more attention to quality of life of breast cancer patients and to optimize the system for managing this condition.

A Study of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre

A Study of Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre

A study of a PERMA-based positive psychological intervention programme in subthreshold depressed patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer: formulation and application.

Depression seriously affects the quality of life of breast cancer patients and even hinders treatment and recovery after diagnosis. Subthreshold depression should be worthy of attention, and the risk of subthreshold depression developing into depression increases if timely intervention is not available. However, there is limited research on interventions for subthreshold depression, especially for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Exploring the efficacy of a PERMA-based positive psychological intervention programme in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with subthreshold depression. Using PERMA as a framework, we constructed the intervention programme through a literature review and expert discussion approach, and revised the programme using the Delphi method. Then we selected 84 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients for a randomised controlled trial. The control group received conventional care (primary care, specialist care, psychological care, etc.), and the observation group received a PERMA-based positive psychological intervention programme. Patient data were collected before and after the intervention, and the dataset consisted of patient responses to general information, the Depression Screening Scale (CES-D), the Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAMD-17), and the Questionnaire on Psychosocial Adjustment in Breast Cancer Patients. A total of 79 patients completed the study (38 patients in the observation group and 41 patients in the control group), and before the intervention, there were no statistical differences in the comparison of general information, subthreshold depression scores, and psychosocial adaptation scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the subthreshold depression (CES-D and HAMD-17 scores) scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01), and the psychosocial adaptation scores were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01). A positive psychological intervention programme using PERMA as a framework was more effective in reducing subthreshold depression levels and promoting levels of psychosocial adjustment in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Interventions for subthreshold depression are not limited to the traditional aftercare model, but rather from a positive psychology perspective. Especially for patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer, this is a new endeavour that has important implications for them. Because, instead of focusing on their negative emotions, we help them gradually adapt to their new identity and treatment process from a positive aspect during their most difficult period, thus reducing their subthreshold depression level and preventing it from developing into a more severe depression.

Effect of Vaginal Laser and Topical Therapies on Vulvovaginal Atrophy Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) significantly impacts the quality of life in breast cancer patients leading to symptoms like vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and genital discomfort. Quality of life in this context is measured using validated scales like the Vaginal Health Index, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify effective treatment options for VVA, including topical estrogen, systemic hormone therapy, vaginal DHEA, ospemifene, and non-hormonal methods like intravaginal laser therapy, moisturizers, and lubricants. A systematic search of four databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, Embase) identified studies on VVA treatment efficacy in breast cancer patients, yielding 13,039 records, with 32 eligible studies and 8 included in the meta-analysis. Results: Significant improvements were found with intravaginal laser therapy, showing notable differences in the Vaginal Health Index (MD = 8.24, p < 0.01), dyspareunia (MD = -4.82, p = 0.05), and dryness (MD = -5.05, p = 0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in FSFI and vaginal pH. Notably only intravaginal laser therapy was included in the meta-analysis, as other treatment options lacked comparable data. Both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments improved quality of life, with laser therapy showing the most substantial effects. Conclusions: Intravaginal laser therapy is an effective treatment for VVA symptoms in breast cancer survivors, particularly in improving the Vaginal Health Index and reducing dyspareunia. Despite the strengths of the study, variability among studies, lack of RCT-s and data limitations, especially on long-term effects, present challenges.

Effects of dietary habits and catheterization type on breast cancer-related lymphedema: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundUnderstanding the factors that contribute to variability in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is an important first step in developing targeted interventions to improve quality of life in breast cancer patients. Although previous research studies have has identified many risk factors for BCRL, dietary habits and catheterization type have rarely been studied until the present.AimThis study aims to explore the effects of nursing factors such as dietary habits and catheterization type on breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 1,476 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 2012, and September 1, 2020. Lymphedema was assessed with a validated self-report questionnaire. All research data were obtained from medical records and a follow-up database. Multivariate Cox regression was conducted to explore the effects of dietary habits and catheterization type on BCRL.ResultsThe results showed an increased risk for BCRL among breast cancer patients who followed a high-fat diet prehospitalization (HR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.55–3.94; P < 0.001), indwelling totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) compared with indwelling needles (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.35–0.90;P = 0.017) or indwelling peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) (HR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.45–1.05; P = 0.086).ConclusionHigh-fat diet pre-hospitalization was an independent risk factor for lymphedema. The TIVAPs did not exert a protective effect on lymphedema compared with the PICC and indwelling needle. This study finding offers new insights to develop targeted interventions to decrease the incidence of lymphedema.

The impact of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on mental health outcomes and life in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy(ICBT) improves the impact of breast cancer through online platforms, modular learning, goal setting, relaxation exercises, and other techniques. Compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ICBT offers advantages such as the convenience of flexible time and location choices and reduced manpower requirements. In recent years, research exploring the impact of ICBT on breast cancer patients has been increasing, with conflicting results across different studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the impact of ICBT on the psychological health and quality of life of breast cancer patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched ten databases in both English and Chinese, with the search period extending from the inception of the databases to December 30, 2023. Literature screening, bias risk assessment, data extraction, and evidence level evaluation were independently conducted by two researchers. All the data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software. A total of 2079 breast cancer patients were included in this study, of which 1171 patients received ICBT treatment. The results show that ICBT can reduce anxiety [SMD=-0.19, 95%CI (-0.37, -0.01), P=0.0008] and depression [SMD=-0.20, 95%CI (-0.37, -0.02), P=0.001], alleviate fatigue [SMD=-0.34, 95%CI (-0.67, -0.01), P=0.04], and improve quality of life [SMD=0.20, 95% CI (0.03, 0.38), P=0.02] in breast cancer patients. However, the intervention effects of ICBT on insomnia [SMD=-0.44, 95%CI (-0.93, 0.06), P=0.08] and sleep quality [SMD=-0.14, 95%CI (-0.30, 0.01), P=0.06] in breast cancer patients are not significant. The subgroup analysis showed that when the intervention period is longer than 8 weeks, the number of intervention modules exceeds 6, and a waitlist control group is included, there is a significant effect on reducing patients' anxiety and depression. However, the method of guidance and whether the intervention period exceeds 12 weeks are not related. ICBT can alleviate anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients, with the intervention effects being independent of the guidance method. Significant results were obtained when the intervention period was >8 weeks and the number of modules was >6. ICBT can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients, but its impact on sleep quality was not significant. More high-quality research is needed in the future. PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024494744.

The Relationship Between Chemotherapy Management and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in Yogyakarta

Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers in women, has a high mortality rate. Chemotherapy is commonly used to stop cancer growth, but it significantly affects patients' quality of life. While several studies have reported on the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the quality of life in breast cancer patients aged 20-80 with grades 1-4, limited research focuses on grade 2-3 patients aged 40-50, as measured by the QLQ C-30. Using random consecutive sampling, this study investigates the relationship between chemotherapy and quality of life in grade 2-3 breast cancer patients aged 40-50 in Yogyakarta. Quality of life is assessed through the QLQ C-30 questionnaire, with data analyzed by the unpaired t-test method at a 95% confidence level (p &lt; 0.05). Results show a significant decrease in the overall quality of life (p = 0.000) but no significant differences in function (p = 0.152) and symptom scales (p = 0.15). Respondents not undergoing chemotherapy reported a better general quality of life than those receiving treatment.

Research Progress on Negative Emotions Influencing the Incidence of Breast Cancer

At present, breast cancer is the largest malignant tumor endangering women’s health, and has become one of the most common cancer types in the world. In recent years, the relationship between psychosocial factors and the incidence of breast cancer has attracted extensive attention. Traditional Chinese medicine research of the motherland suggests that emotional disorder is an important factor leading to breast cancer, and emotional theory and negative emotional accumulation have something in common in some aspects. This article reviews the impact of negative emotions on the risk of breast cancer and the current research progress and explores the possibility of reducing the progress of breast cancer and improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients through negative emotion intervention.

Model of Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Using Cross-Sectional Data: The Role of Resilience.

Resilience has been suggested as an important predictor of both physical and mental health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients. However, it is unclear why resilient women handle their diagnosis better, not only mentally, but also physically. The aim of this study was to investigate paths between resilience, physical activity, and mental, physical, and global health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients. Structural equation modeling was conducted to evaluate the proposed structural paths using a sample of 638 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from Sweden. Resilience was directly associated with physical activity and mental health-related quality of life. It was indirectly associated with physical functioning, through mental health-related quality of life and physical activity. Resilience was also indirectly associated with global quality of life, through mental health-related quality of life. Mental health support and encouraging physical activity may be especially relevant to enhance all aspects of health-related quality of life early in the breast cancer process. Results should be replicated longitudinally.

XXXX 2024 27(3) YAYIMLANMIŞ MAKALE A Correlational Study of Self-Efficacy, Marital Status, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in Aceh, Indonesia

Objective: To investigate the relationship between self-efficacy, marital status, and quality of life among Banda Aceh Hospital chemotherapy patients in Indonesia. Methods: The descriptive design was correlational with a cross-sectional approach. Sampling type of the research method used purposive sampling. The sample size of 100 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy met the inclusion criteria. Instruments for this research used the Questionnaire Quality of Life-Breast Cancer (QOL-BC) and the Symptom Management Breast Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale (SMSES-BC). Multiple linear regression and spearman rank correlation were used in this analysis. Results: Self-efficacy (P&amp;lt;.001), marital status (P=.023), and quality of life affect breast cancer chemotherapy patients. The regression coefficient value indicated that self-efficacy (B=1.013) was the primary factor influencing the quality of life of breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and marital status affect breast cancer chemotherapy patients' quality of life in Aceh, Indonesia. High-self-efficacy patients manage themselves well. They avoid treatment side effects, whereas status patients are married, stay together, and improve their husbands' lives. Research findings This suggests that breast cancer patients and their families should be brought together to boost self-efficacy and motivation for treatment.

Surgical Outcomes And Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Patients Following Mastectomy

Surgical Outcomes And Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Patients Following Mastectomy

The EORTC QLQ breast modules and the FACT-B for assessing quality of life in breast cancer patients - an updated literature review.

Two commonly used quality of life questionnaires in breast cancer are EORTC QLQ-BR23, the FACT-B, and the extended FACT-B+4. More recently, the EORTC EORTC QLQ-BR42 was developed. This systematic review compares the various versions of the EORTC QLQ and FACT tools for breast cancer in terms of their content, validity, and psychometric properties. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. All questionnaires have been proven to be valid, reliable and responsive. The provisional EORTC QLQ-BR45 transitioned to the EORTC QLQ-BR42 in Phase IV of its development, which encompasses the side effects associated with the latest breast cancer treatments. Both the EORTC and FACT measures assess physical and mental dimensions of quality of life, with the EORTC measure placing relatively more emphasis on physical content and FACT placing relatively more emphasis on mental (social and emotional) content. The four additional items in the FACT-B+4 were developed to address arm lymphoedema following axillary surgery. The development and uptake of quality of life tools are essential in the evaluation of breast cancer treatments. The EORTC QLQ-BR42 and FACT-B are both valid, reliable, and responsive QoL questionnaires.

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Improve Anxiety Symptoms and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients.

Breast cancer patients often experience anxiety, impacting their Quality of Life (QOL) . Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a 3rd generation psychotherapy from CBT combined with MBSR where mindfulness methods are carried out in a structured and scheduled manner, able to provide a pause between the stressor and the automatic response it causes. This study aimed to assess MBCT's effectiveness in alleviating anxiety and enhancing QOL in Stage III breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, with mild-moderate anxiety disorders. The experimental research, conducted at Moewardi General Hospital Surakarta from March to June 2023, employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. Thirty subjects were divided into intervention (MBCT) and control (psychoeducation) groups. Participants completed demographic forms, disease history, and assessments using the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS-A) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). There was a significant improvement in HADS-A scores in both groups (P <0.001) where the difference in the median HADS score in intervention group was higher compared to the control group. The effect of MBCT to the score improvement of HADS-A showed statistically significant results P=0.003 with HR 1.288. In the EORTC QLQ C30 Global score, the intervention group experienced a significant increase P<0.001, and in the control group, it did not significantly increase p=0.087 although multivariate analysis showed that MBCT was not significant in improving the global EORTC score. From the continued multivariate analysis of the EORTC QLQ C30 function, score improvement was significantly influenced by MBCT with P=0.035 and HR 3.086. Meanwhile, for the EORTC symptoms, score improvement was influenced by MBCT with P=0.005 and HR3.401. There is a score improvement in HADS-A and EORTC with the provision of MBCT psychotherapy and with the provision of psychotherapy. However, the HADS and EORTC improvement scores were significantly higher with MBCT compared to psychotherapy alone.

Assessment of sexual function and quality of life in breast cancer patients before and after the occurrence of therapy-related skin changes

Background Patients with breast cancer (BC) who receive adjuvant chemotherapy or other treatment modalities may potentially benefit from an enhanced prognosis of survival. Physical or aesthetic complications may, nevertheless, result in significant distress as a consequence of adverse dermatologic responses. There has been a heightened focus on matters related to quality of life (QoL) as the number of BC survivors has risen. Sexual disorders are reported by as many as 75% of women who undergo treatment for BC. Despite this, the majority of oncologists lack the necessary training to identify patients who are particularly susceptible to developing sexual disorders. Patients diagnosed with BC frequently experience female sexual dysfunction. Objective To compare and evaluate the impact of skin changes induced by different treatment modalities in BC patients on their sexual function and QoL. Patients and methods This is a prospective cohort research on 58 cases diagnosed with BC, which was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Clinical Oncology department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University from April 2022 to February 2023. The calculated sample size for the current study using Epi info 7 programs was 56 women. The power of the study is 80% with a confidence level of 95% as determined by the Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University. Both sexual function and QoL were assessed before and 3–6 months after the occurrence of skin changes related to different treatment modalities using validated questionnaires irrespective of their tumor stage. Results Of the 58 patients, there was statistically significant variance regarding dermatological life quality index (DLQI) (P&lt;0.001), with 8.6% of patients experiencing a very large influence on their QoL, which increased to 19%. However, the number of patients having an extremely large influence on their quality of life changed from 0 to 5.2%. There was statistically significant variance (P&lt;0.001) regarding female sexual function index values among the six domains of female sexual function index before and after the occurrence of skin changes. There is a negative correlation between DLQI score and desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction scores, while there is a positive correlation between DLQI score and pain score. QoL was negatively affected by the occurrence of such skin lesions. Conclusion There was a significant negative impact of skin changes induced by different treatment modalities in BC patients on their sexual function and QoL.

Pengaruh Kecemasan Terhadap Kepatuhan Pengobatan Kanker Payudara

Anxiety is a psychological factor commonly experienced by breast cancer patients and can influence medication adherence. This study aims to analyze the impact of anxiety on medication adherence among breast cancer patients through a meta-analysis of published studies. A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, to identify relevant studies published in the last five years. Inclusion criteria encompassed observational and experimental studies measuring anxiety levels and medication adherence in breast cancer patients. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to compute the effect size. The analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between anxiety levels and adherence to breast cancer treatment (r = -0.38, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.31, p &lt; 0.001). These findings indicate that patients with higher levels of anxiety are likely to have lower adherence to breast cancer treatment. Consequently, the findings underscore the importance of psychological interventions in reducing patient anxiety and improving medication adherence in breast cancer patients. Finally, the study highlights the need for clinical implications and future research recommendations. The results reinforce the necessity for further research and development in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients in the future.

Chemotherapy induced alopecia in breast cancer patients: A monocentric prospective study.

Alopecia is one of the main adverse events of chemotherapy in breast cancer. However, its impact is often ignored and underestimated by clinicians. Our aim was to evaluate the quality of life of breast cancer patients with chemotherapy induced alopecia. We conducted a prospective study including 72 breast cancer patients who developed alopecia on or after stopping chemotherapy in the last 6 months. Clinical information and characteristics of alopecia were assessed using a self-prepared questionnaire. DLQI score was used to evaluate patients' quality of life. We interviewed a total of 72 women with a mean age of 53.5 ± 6 years. Alopecia appeared soon after the first course in 62.5%. All patients actively tried to hide induced hair fall (either by a hat in 6.9% or by a headscarf in 93.1%). Quality of life was impacted in 97.2% of patients with a median DLQI score of 6.5. Women who did not underwent mastectomy were significantly more bothered by hair loss than those who had radical surgery (78.1% vs 55%, p = 0.04). Working status was a significant predictor factor of a bad quality of life due to alopecia (100% in working women vs 58.3% in homemaker or retired patients, p = 0.006). Chemotherapy induced alopecia had a negative impact on quality of life of patients with breast cancer, especially in working women and those who did not have radical surgery. Prior wearing of headscarves did not impact significantly the DLQI score.

Determinants of Health-related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Study in Marrakech, Morocco

Determinants of Health-related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Study in Marrakech, Morocco