Health-Related Quality of Life and Cardiovascular Comorbidity Risk for Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: The literature suggests that women with cardiovascular diseases have worse quality of life when diagnosed with breast cancer. Objective: To evaluate the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiovascular disease at diagnosis of breast cancer. Method: Cross-sectional study with women diagnosed with breast cancer. HRQoL was assessed by the questionnaires of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnarie (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Breast Cancer Module (QLQ-BR23) and comorbidity was assessed by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale Geriatric (CIRS-G). It were calculated the differences between mean HRQoL values and comorbidity. Logistic multiple regression was used to evaluate the association. Results: 953 women with a mean age of 54 years (SD±11.7) were included. Comorbidity was presented at diagnosis of breast cancer in 84.1% of the women. The heart system was affected in 10.8% and the vascular system in 48.2%. After adjustment, an association between physical and sexual function scores and heart and vascular system problems was observed. An association between worse pain and dyspnea scores and the heart system was also noticed. Regarding the presence of diseases in the vascular system, this was associated with better sexual satisfaction, better future outcome and worse breast symptoms. Conclusion: HRQoL was associated with cardiovascular disease in breast cancer patients, in relation to physical and sexual function, sexual satisfaction, future perspectives and symptom scales (pain, dyspnea and breast symptoms).