Quality of life assessment in women with breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer causes physical, social, and emotional alterations with a major impact on women's lives. Quality of life scales can measure this impact. This paper presents a literature review on measurement of quality of life in women with breast cancer, with various instruments and methodologies. Most of the articles come from Englishspeaking countries and use quantitative methodologies, and there is no consensus on the ideal instrument for measuring quality of life. The results showed that post-mastectomy patients have worse quality of life than those with conservative breast surgery. Older women feel less impact from the disease as compared to younger patients. Those in systemic treatment such as chemotherapy presented lower global quality of life and worse general health and physical and social functions. Improved care for women with breast cancer using quality of life indicators could help enhance clinical practice, guide therapeutic strategies, assess surgical success and clinical treatment, and provide parameters to define actions to promote both individual and group health.