Harmony of Quality of Life and Emotional Well-Being: The Impact of Combining Conservative Breast Surgery with Minimal Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Introduction:To assess the influence of conservative breast surgery combined with breast reconstruction (CBS-BR) on the overall condition of breast cancer patients, as well as their quality of life (QOL) and levels of depression. Patients and methods:The study comprised 50 patients categorized into two groups A and B who underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer, utilizing either (MRM) or (CBS-BR) approach. All participants underwent preoperative assessment of their quality of life (QOL) using The QOL Instrument and an evaluation of depression using The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (PO). Results:It was observed that all patients experienced a negative preoperative impact of breast cancer on their QOL; however, they demonstrated gradual improvement with significantly higher total scores on the QOL Instrument (QOL-BC) at 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared to their preoperative scores. The removal of cancer had a positive effect on patients' mood, which continued throughout the postoperative period, resulting in significantly lower Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and a reduced frequency of higher depression grades at 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared to their preoperative scores. There was a notable positive and significant correlation between breast cancer and both QOL-BC and BDI scores, as well as a positive and significant correlation between the scores of both questionnaires. Conclusion:(CBS-BR) appears to be a safe and effective procedure for treating breast cancer, leading to subsequent improvements in quality of life and a reduction in depression symptoms among patients.