Life In Breast Cancer Patients Research Articles

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Texture and Shape Features in MRI.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) breast imaging represents a tool with great potential for the detection, evaluation and diagnosis of breast cancer (BC). Due to its high sensitivity and in combination with medical imaging biomarkers, it can overcome setbacks and limitations manifested in other diagnostic modalities such as mammography or ultrasound. In order to aid and assist clinicians in the diagnosis of BC, a methodology based on the extraction of 2D texture and 3D shape features in MR images is proposed. To categorize breast tumor malignancy, we considered its location in the coronal plane, divided into 4 quadrants (UOQ, UIQ, LOQ and LOQ), and the tumor type according to its genetic information (positive HER2 and Luminal B with negative HER2). In this regard, six different studies were conducted: one per feature type (texture and shape), as well as the combination of both features (texture + shape) for each of the two covariables (tumor type and location in the coronal plane). A dataset of 43 BC patients were considered. A radiomics approach was implemented extracting 43 texture and 17 shape features and using to train 5 different predictive models (Linear SVM, Gaussian SVM, Bagged Tree, KNN and Naïve Bayes). The highest precision result for the tumor type study (74.04% in terms of AUC) was obtained with 43 texture features. Whereas for the quadrant localization study, the highest precision result (67.99% AUC) was obtained as a combination of 3 textures and shape features. Both results were achieved with the SVM with Linear Kernel classification model.Clinical Relevance- This work emphasizes the use of quantitative biomarkers as texture and shape features in combination with machine learning techniques to aid in breast tumor malignancy diagnosis on MR imaging. Moreover, considering the location of the tumor in the coronal plane and its type according to its genetic information may improve the selection of appropriate treatments, survival rate, and quality of life for breast cancer patients.

Comparison of the effects of high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous training on inflammatory markers, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients

BackgroundAs the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment has improved, a growing number of long-term breast cancer survivors are seeking help for unique health problems. These patients may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to the side effects of treatment. The positive impact of most types of exercise has been repeatedly reported in people with cancer, but the most effective exercise approaches for maximum beneficial adaptations remain controversial. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on inflammatory indices, adipokines, metabolic markers, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients during adjuvant endocrine therapy. MethodsThirty non-metastatic breast cancer patients during adjuvant endocrine therapy who had been treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were recruited from Iran and randomized to HIIT, MICT, or control groups for a supervised exercise intervention that took place 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The training intensity was determined based on the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and the volume of training was matched in HIIT and MICT based on the VO2peak. Body composition, functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic indices, sex hormones, adipokines, and inflammatory markers were assessed before and after the intervention. ResultsThe VO2peak increased by 16.8% in the HIIT group in comparison to baseline values (mean difference = 3.61 mL/kg/min). HIIT significantly improved the VO2peak compared to control (mean difference = 3.609 mL/kg/min) and MICT (mean differences = 2.974 mL/kg/min) groups. Both HIIT (mean difference = 9.172 mg/dL) and MICT (mean difference = 7.879 mg/dL) interventions significantly increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to the control group. The analysis of covariance showed that physical well-being significantly improved in MICT compared to control group (mean difference = 3.268). HIIT significantly improved the social well-being compared to the control group (mean difference = 4.412). Emotional well-being subscale was significantly improved in both MICT (mean difference = 4.248) and HIIT (mean difference = 4.412) compared to the control group. Functional well-being scores significantly increased in HIIT group compared with control group (mean difference = 3.35) . Significant increase were also observed in total functional assessment of cancer therapy-General scores in both HIIT (mean difference = 14.204) and MICT groups (mean difference = 10.036) compared with control group. The serum level of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 increased significantly (mean difference = 0.09 pg/mL) in the HIIT group compared to the baseline. There were no significant differences between groups for body weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, sex hormone binding globulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adipokines, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, or interleukin-10. ConclusionHIIT can be used as a safe, feasible, and time-efficient intervention to improve cardiovascular fitness in breast cancer patients. Both HIIT and MICT modalities enhance quality of life. Further large-scale studies will help determine whether these promising results translate into improved clinical and oncological outcomes.

Effect of mindfulness-based therapy on spiritual well-being in breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled study.

Spiritual well-being is directly related to the quality of life in breast cancer patients. Mindfulness-based therapy interventions can decrease distress levels in women with breast cancer, while improving spiritual well-being. To investigate the effect of mindfulness-based therapy on spiritual well-being in breast cancer patients. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials. A total of 70 participants were enrolled from September, 2021 to July, 2022. Primary outcome included spiritual well-being, and secondary outcome included quality of life. The data were collected using the Patient Sociodemographic and Medical Data Form and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (SpWB) (FACIT-Sp Version 4). In the statistical analysis, the independent sample t test and paired sample t test were used to examine the intervention effect on primary and secondary outcomes, according to numbers, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and conformity to normal distribution. The average age of the therapy group was 42.22 ± 6.86, and the control group was 41.64 ± 6.04. The average score of meaning (12.25 ± 3.03), overall score average of the spiritual well-being (31.56 ± 8.90), the emotional well-being (13.46 ± 5.78) and physical well-being (16.71 ± 5.59), and overall average score of the quality of life (66.98 ± 17.72) of the therapy group was statistically significantly higher (p < 0.05). The mindfulness-based training may enhance the spiritual well-being and quality of life of breast cancer patients. Nurses should be encouraged for mindfulness-based training sessions to make it a widespread practice, and to regularly evaluate the results. NCT05057078 (date: September 27, 2021).

Social Support in Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients after Diagnosis: A Bibliometric Analysis

In terms of bibliometric analysis, there are no studies related to the impact of social support on breast cancer survivors' quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to provide a bibliometric assessment of results on social support in quality of life in breast cancer patients. The studies for the dataset were selected from Scopus published in the year 2001–2021 based on their relevancy to the established subjects. The VOSviewer software was used for bibliometric analysis to represent the performance of publications covering annual outputs, mainstream journals leading countries, institutions, research tendencies, and hotspots. The analysis of the findings indicated only 45 articles over the range of 2001-2021. The highest number of publications was published in 2021, and the lowest was in 2002-2004 and 2006. Social support strongly correlates with the psychological adjustment of adherence to cancer treatment. Only one study failed to find an association between social support and suicide after a cancer diagnosis. Meanwhile, China, the United States, and Hong Kong contributed to social support. Instrumental, financial, information, and emotional support were reported as domains needed to support breast cancer patients. This bibliometric analysis provides the results of thoughts and insights about the development needed by breast cancer patients to prolong survival.

Dynamic changes and correlation between symptoms and quality of life in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy.

Standardized chemotherapy for breast cancer can improve the survival of patients, but during the process, it is accompanied by a variety of symptoms. To explore the dynamic changes of symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer patients at different time points during chemotherapy, and to explore the correlation with quality of life. A prospective study method was used to collect 120 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy as the research objects. The general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom inventory (MDASI-C), and the European Organization for Cancer Research and Treatment (EORTC) Quality of Life questionnaire were used in the first week (T1), first month (T2), three month (T3) and 6 months after chemotherapy (T4) to conduct dynamic investigation. The symptoms of breast cancer patients at four time points during chemotherapy period were: psychological symptoms, pain-related symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms, impaired self-image, and neurological related symptoms etc. At T1, it exhibited 2 symptoms, however as moving along the chemotherapy process, the symptoms are increasing. The severity is (F= 76.32, P< 0.001), life of quality (F= 117.64, P< 0.001) vary. At T3, there were 5 symptoms, and at T4 symptom number increased to 6 with worsening quality of life. It exhibited positive correlation with scores in multiple domains of quality of life (P< 0.05), and the above symptoms showed positive correlation with multiple domains of QLQ-C30 (P< 0.05). After T1-T3 of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, the symptoms become more serious and the quality of life reduced. Therefore, medical staff should pay attention to the occurrence and development of patient's symptoms, create a reasonable plan from the perspective of symptom management and carry out personalized interventions to improve patient's quality of life.

Dukungan Keluarga Dengan Kualitas Hidup Pada Pasien Kanker Payudara Yang Menjalani Kemoterapi

Background:Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world. The incidence of breast cancer is the second highest in the world. The many impacts ofchemotherapy treatment that is undertaken, will become a long-term problem that will affect the patient's qualit y of life. Unfavorable psychological conditions due to chemotherapy make cancer patients need support from the closest people, the family is the patient's closest person who will provide comfort and peace. Objective:To analyze the effect of family support on the quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy Methods: The method of this study is correlated with a cross-sectional approach. with 86 samples using a non-probability sampling technique with consecutive sampling and using a measuring instrument used on variables using a questionnaire. Results:The results of the analysis using the Spearman Rank Tests ? 0.05 obtained a p-value (0.00 &lt;? (0.05). Conclusion:There is a relationship between family support and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Level III Hospital Baladhika Husada Jember. Family support is one of the factors that have a positive contribution to the quality of life of cancer patients. The family support provided can be in the form of attention or an active role in the treatment and therapy programs being undertaken by breast cancer patients. Involvement of family members in motivating to maintain the condition and perform chemotherapy

Determination of the Influence of Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study with Four Follow-Ups.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of peripheral neuropathy symptoms throughout with monthly follow-ups during 4 months of paclitaxel treatment. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 79 patients. The study population consisted of female patients with breast cancer between August 2018 and January 2019. ''Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool'' and ''EORTC C30 Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire'' were applied with four follow-ups. The study was undertaken in accordance with the STROBE checklist for cross- sectional studies. The Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool except for the general activity subdimension were statistically significant in the ratings of second, compared to first; third compared to first and second; fourth compared to first, second, and third follow-up periods. The overall mean of the EORTC C30 Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, functioning, symptom, and global health status were statistically significant in the evaluations of second, compared with first; third compared with first and second; fourth compared with first, second, and third follow-up periods. Findings from this study suggest that the increase in neuropathy symptoms during cures negatively affects the quality of life.

Health-related quality of life in breast cancer patients in low-and-middle-income countries in Asia: a systematic review.

Breast cancer remains one of the major cancers worldwide. In Asia, breast cancer is leading both incidence and mortality rates. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) studies play an important role in clinical treatment. This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence of HRQoL and associated factors among patients with breast cancer in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia. Performed according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic review, the studies were searched from three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus) up to November 2020. The studies which met the predefined eligibility criteria were selected, extracted, and assessed the quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. A total of 2,620 studies were searched on the three databases, of which 28 met the selection criteria, then, were included in the systematic review. The Global Health Status (GHS) score of breast cancer patients based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire ranged from 56.32 ± 25.42 to 72.48 ± 15.68. The overall HRQoL scores using the FACT-G and FACT-B instruments ranged from 60.78 ± 13.27 to 82.23 ± 12.55 and from 70.29 ± 13.33 to 108.48 ± 19.82, respectively. Factors affecting HRQoL of patients with breast cancer included age, education level, income, marital status, lifestyle, tumor stage, method, and treatment duration. Patient's income showed a consistent effect on HRQoL while the remaining factors reported inconsistent findings across the studies. In conclusion, the HRQoL of breast cancer patients in LMICs in Asia was low and affected by several sociodemographic factors which should be studied more in future research.

A phase II randomized clinical trial to assess toxicity and quality of life of breast cancer patients with hypofractionated versus conventional fractionation radiotherapy with regional nodal irradiation in the context of COVID-19 crisis.

This study, conducted during the COVID-19 crisis, primarily aimed to compare the acute toxicity between conventional fractionated radiation therapy (CF-RT) with hypofractionated radiation therapy (HF-RT) among patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy in whom breast or chest wall and regional nodal irradiation (RNI) were indicated. The secondary endpoints were both acute and subacute toxicity, cosmesis, quality of life, and lymphedema features. In this open and non-inferiority randomized trial, patients (n = 86) were randomly allocated 2:1 in the CF-RT arm (n = 33; 50 Gy/25 fractions ± sequential boost [10 Gy/5 fractions]) versus the HF-RT arm (n = 53; 40 Gy/15 fractions ± concomitant boost [8 Gy/15 fractions]). Toxic effects and cosmesis evaluation used the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03 (CTCAE) and the Harvard/National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. For the patient-reported quality of life (QoL), the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the breast cancer-specific supplementary questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) were used. Lymphedema was assessed by comparing volume differences between the affected and contralateral arms using the Casley-Smith formula. Grade 2 and grade 3 dermatitis were lower with HF-RT than with CF-RT (28% vs. 52%, and 0% vs. 6%, respectively; p = 0.022). HF-RT had a lower rate of grade 2 hyperpigmentation (23% vs. 55%; p = 0.005), compared to CF-RT. No other differences in overall rates of physician-assessed grade 2 or higher and grade 3 or higher acute toxicity between HF-RT and CF-RT were registered. There was no statistical difference between groups regarding cosmesis, lymphedema rate (13% vs. 12% HF-RT vs. CF-RT; p = 1.000), and functional and symptom scales, during both the irradiation period and after 6 months of the end of treatment. The results revealed that the subset of patients up to 65 years or older did not show a statistical difference between both arm fractionation schedules (p > 0.05) regarding skin rash, fibrosis, and lymphedema. HF-RT was non-inferior to CF-RT, and moderate hypofractionation showed lower rates of acute toxicity, with no changes in quality-of-life outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT40155531.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation for improvement of quality of life of breast cancer patients.

e18711 Background: One of the most critical factors that cancer patients need to consider when it comes to their rehabilitation is the availability of effective and personalized rehabilitation programs. Aside from being a vital part of cancer rehabilitation, exercise can also improve the quality of life for cancer patients and help them maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The purpose of this study is to adapt an evidence-based exercise program and rehabilitation techniques for breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and test the efficacy of this approach combining physical therapy, massage therapy, equine therapy (intervention group) compared to chemotherapy only (control group) for improving quality of life. Methods: This is two-armed, randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation for improving quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. The intervention program included physical therapy, massage therapy, equine therapy. Control group received standard care, treatment group received standard care plus intervention. All patients completed the quality of life questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) at baseline and at 4 months. All participants randomized to treatment group first received one-on-one consultation with oncologist, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&amp;R) physicians and physical therapists. The intervention components include tri-weekly program that included physical therapy, massage therapy and equine therapy. Statistical methods (STATA) were used to analyze the data. We began data analyzes with observational statistics and independent variable analyzes. Results: Even though we did not find any difference in some aspects of intervention group during observational study, we saw a significant difference in DID model which showed significant improvement in data. Compared to control group, intervention group showed improved Quality of life (43.57***), improved PF (48.76***), RF (53.3***), EF (56***), CF (37.66**) and SF (52.85***). Another important observation is a fact that age and stage of the disease had no effect on quality of life or affected any aspect of this study, reasons of which has to be further analyzed. Conclusions: Our study proved that physical therapy and rehabilitation can be useful in improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin Counteracting Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on the therapeutic potential of melatonin to counteract the undesirable effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. To this aim, we summarized and critically reviewed preclinical- and clinical-related evidence according to the PRISMA guidelines. Additionally, we developed an extrapolation of melatonin doses in animal studies to the human equivalent doses (HEDs) for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with breast cancer patients. For the revision, 341 primary records were screened, which were reduced to 8 selected RCTs that met the inclusion criteria. We assembled the evidence drawn from these studies by analyzing the remaining gaps and treatment efficacy and suggested future translational research and clinical trials. Overall, the selected RCTs allow us to conclude that melatonin combined with standard chemotherapy lines would derive, at least, a better quality of life for breast cancer patients. Moreover, regular doses of 20 mg/day seemed to increase partial response and 1-year survival rates. Accordingly, this systematic review leads us to draw attention to the need for more RCTs to provide a comprehensive view of the promising actions of melatonin in breast cancer and, given the safety profile of this molecule, adequate translational doses should be established in further RCTs.

Investigation of the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of life in breast cancer patients

Investigation of the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of life in breast cancer patients

Construction of the structural equation model of stigma, self-disclosure, social support, and quality of life of breast cancer patients after surgery-a multicenter study.

Stigma is common in patients with breast cancer after surgery, which has a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the QOL of breast cancer patients after surgery and to analyze the multiple chains mediating effects of self-disclosure and social support between stigma and QOL. A total 292 patients of breast cancer patients after operation were recruited in this study. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the general information questionnaire, the consumer experiences of stigma questionnaire (CESQ), the distress disclosure index(DDI), the perceived social support scale(PSSS), and the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast(FACT-B). Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized serial multiple mediation model. The total scores of stigma, self-disclosure, social support and QOL were 15 (10 ~ 22), 39 (31 ~ 46), 58 (50 ~ 67) and 88 (74 ~ 104) respectively. QOL of breast cancer patients after the operation was negatively correlated with stigma (p < 0.01), and positively correlated with self-disclosure and social support (p < 0.01). Self-disclosure and social support played a complete mediating effect between stigma and QOL, and the total mediating effect value was 85. 87%. Self-disclosure and social support play a complete intermediary role between stigma and QOL. In order to improve the quality of life of patients, medical staff should pay attention to the assessment of stigma, encourage patients to express their emotions, and encourage their families and friends to respond to their expression and needs of patients.

Symptom Clusters and Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Endocrine Therapy in China

ObjectivesBreast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy experience various symptoms that have long-term effects on their quality of life. However, which symptom clusters are expressed and affect patients’ quality of life remain significantly controversial. Therefore, we aimed to explore symptom clusters among breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy and identify the impact of these clusters on their quality of life. Data SourcesThis secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study aimed to explore the symptom experiences and quality of life of breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy. The participants were invited to complete the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (FACT-B) and Endocrine Subscale (ES). Principal component analysis, Spearman correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to explore symptom clusters and identify their influence on quality of life. ConclusionData from 613 participants were obtained, and 19 symptoms were included in the principal component analysis, which identified five symptom clusters: the systemic, pain and emotional, sexual, vaginal, and vasomotor symptom clusters. Adjustment for covariates revealed that the systemic and pain and emotional symptom clusters were negative predictors of quality of life. The fitted model explained approximately 38.1% of the variance. Implications for Nursing PracticeThis study demonstrated that breast cancer patients receiving endocrine therapy experienced symptoms that tended to occur in five clusters (i.e., systemic, pain and emotional, sexual, vaginal, and vasomotor symptoms). Developing interventions for the systemic and pain and emotional symptom clusters may effectively improve patients’ quality of life.

Yoga Therapy for Improving the Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients: Literature Review

Cancer is a chronic disease that affects emotional states and changes in daily life, causing physiological and psychological problems. This condition can also affect the quality of life. This literature review aims to determine the effect of yoga therapy on improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients. The method used is by searching several published studies through databases through PubMed, Sage Journal, SpringerLink, and Science Direct. Research questions are designed using the PICO principle. Selected studies were published from 2018-2022. This yoga therapy can affect the improvement of the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Yoga can reduce depressing symptoms in patients undergoing cancer treatment and is beneficial in reducing treatment side effects, emotional improvement, and quality of life. The duration of yoga therapy, which is an average of 60 minutes, will improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Yoga shows significant results in improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Yoga can majorly affect the patient's high quality of life, namely physical function, role, emotional, cognitive, and social. Yoga interventions can relieve pain symptoms of patients undergoing cancer treatment and positively impact treatment side effects, improve emotions, and reduce the quality of life.

Organ-sparing treatment for breast cancer

This article reviews literature on organ-sparing and oncoplastic surgeries for breast cancer. Initially, we performed organ-sparing surgeries in patients with stage I—IIA breast cancer and then compared outcomes with those in patients after radical mastectomy. Since there were no differences in both overall and relapse-free survival between the groups, we started to perform organ-sparing surgeries in women with locally advanced breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy who achieved complete or partial response. Oncoplastic resections were used to achieve good aesthetic results and also for patients in whom classical organ-sparing resection would inevitably result in a poor cosmetic outcome due to the tumor location. In recent years, the technique of extreme oncoplastic breast resection has emerged as a promising option that extended the scope of indications to organ-sparing treatment. In particular, it allows breast conservation for patients with multicentric, multifocal tumors, and tumors &gt;50 mm. All organ-sparing and oncoplastic operations first of all improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Effectiveness of the Hospital-Community-Family Nursing Model in Breast Cancer Patients Discharged with PICC Lines

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of the hospital-community-family nursing model in breast cancer patients discharged with PICC lines. To investigate the effectiveness of the hospital-community-family nursing model in breast cancer patients discharged with PICC lines. Design A randomized controlled study. Method A total of 160 breast cancer patients who had been discharged from the hospital with PICC lines were enrolled in the study and divided into observation and control groups, each consisting of 80 patients. The control group received conventional nursing care and education, while the observation group received care under the “hospital-community-family” tertiary linkage nursing model. Findings The results of this study suggest that the adoption of the hospital-community-family tertiary linkage nursing model can improve compliance and quality of life in breast cancer patients with PICC lines. Additionally, the model can also reduce the likelihood of complications for patients. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of promoting the application of the hospital-community-family triple linkage nursing model in breast cancer patients with PICC lines to improve the therapeutic effect. Clinical evidence The hospital-community-family triple linkage nursing model is an effective strategy to improve the effectiveness of home nursing.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases, and ignoring dental health care before and after treatment can have severe long-term consequences. Additionally, this may have a negative impact on the patient's general quality of life. The aim of the present study was to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among breast cancer patients and identify possible factors associated with the outcome. In this observational cross-sectional study, 200 women who had received breast cancer therapy and were being followed up at a hospital made up the sample. The study was conducted between January 2021 and July 2022. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, general health, and breast cancer was recorded. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index was used in clinical examinations to identify caries experience. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. After adjusting for confounding variables, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related factors. The mean OHIP-14 score was 11.48 (SD 1.35). There was a 63.0% prevalence of negative impacts. Age and the time frame from cancer diagnosis were found to be significantly linked with the outcome by binary logistic regression analysis. Breast cancer survivors who were ≤55 years old and the time elapsed since diagnosis was less than 36 months had a poor OHRQoL. To lessen the negative impacts of cancer treatment and enhance quality of life, patients with breast cancer need special oral care and should be monitored before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Risk factors for breast cancer among adult women residing in rural South Karnataka: a cross sectional study

Background: There’s a steady increase in breast cancer incidence among rural women since rural women are increasingly adopting urban lifestyles, reproductive habits and are also increasingly exposed to similar environmental factors as urban women due to economic development. Objectives was to assess the prevalence of risk factors of breast cancer among women aged 30 years and above residing in a rural South Karnataka Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to January 2017 in villages under Ittamadu primary health centre area, Ramanagara Taluk, Ramnagara district. A total of 600 women aged 30 years or above participated in the study. A semi structured questionnaire was administered by interview method after getting written consent. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used. Results: This study revealed that the prevalence of risk factors (reproductive and non-reproductive) of breast cancer among adult women aged 30 years and above was between the least prevalence of 0.7% for family history of breast cancer to highest prevalence of 37.5% for age at menarche at less than 13 years of age. Conclusions: Indian breast cancer patients present with advanced disease stage and have numerous poor prognostic factors, hence knowledge regarding the prevalence of risk factors is necessary to identify how many women are at risk of developing breast cancer as per the established risk factors to promote early detection and timely treatment for improved survival and quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Home-Based Buddhist Walking Meditation Mitigates Cardiotoxicity of Anthracycline Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of walking meditation on vascular function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy and compare with the nonexercising control group. Methods: Patients aged 40-60 years with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed resected stage I-II breast cancer were studied in a parallel randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to either the nonexercising control group (n = 15) or the Buddhist walking meditation group (n = 15). All participants received four cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy every 3 weeks starting at 2 weeks before the start of the exercise intervention. The walking meditation group performed home-based mindfulness walking exercises at a moderate exercise intensity for 30 min/session, 3 times/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures were vascular reactivity (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) and arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV]). Results: Eleven participants from each group completed the entire study. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated that FMD and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) decreased in both groups after the initiation of anthracycline chemotherapy (all p < 0.05). After the exercise intervention, FMD, VO2peak, peak stroke volume, and peak cardiac output remained lower in the controls, but improved in the walking meditation group (all p < 0.05). baPWV increased in the control group, while no such change was observed in the walking meditation group. There were no significant changes in blood cortisol, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6 concentrations in both groups. Overall quality of life decreased after 2 weeks of anthracycline chemotherapy in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, the walking meditation group improved many of these symptoms significantly (all p < 0.05), while no such changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions: Buddhist walking meditation exercise was effective in mitigating cardiotoxicity of anthracycline chemotherapy on vascular function, aerobic fitness, and quality of life in breast cancer patients. Clinical trial registration number: NCT02676531.