Quality of Life and Coping Strategies of Post-Breast Cancer Women with and without Lymphedema

Abstract

A lymphedema, a breast cancer treatment complication, can lead to physical, functional, psychological and social limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate the lymphedema impact on biopsychosocial factors of the carriers, identifying coping strategies and assessing the quality of life of post-breast cancer women with and without lymphedema. The assessment tools were: a characterization questionnaire; quality of life questionnaires, such as the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-30 and BR-23; and a Coping Strategies Inventory. Eighty-two women were interviewed, whose mean age was 57.4 (SD 12.3), under breast neoplasia treatment. The lymphedema was noticed in 39.03% (32) but it does not quite interfere with their quality of life, and the social role is the most impaired one. Statistically, only symptoms related to the arms were greater in lymphedema women carriers, and self-control was the most used coping strategy. Other strategies used were: reassessment, problem solving, avoidance, social support and self-control. In conclusion, the use of both active and positive strategies to face breast cancer seems to result in good psychosocial adaptation.