Quality of life among long-term breast cancer survivors: A systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this study was to review the literature on quality of life among long-term survivors of breast cancer and identify the specific aspects of quality of life that were affected in these survivors. We also describe predictors of quality of life. Published research reports were included if they described the quality of life of breast cancer survivors diagnosed at least five years earlier. The methodological quality of the 10 selected studies, conducted between 1997 and 2004, was high according to a list of predefined criteria. Most studies reported that long-term survivors of breast cancer experienced good overall quality of life. However, almost all studies reported that breast cancer survivors experienced some specific problems (e.g., a thick and painful arm and problems with sexual functioning). The current medical condition, amount of social support and current income level were strong positive predictors of quality of life, and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy emerged as a negative predictor. More research on the specific medical and psychosocial needs of survivors is needed in order to be able to design appropriate intervention studies. If anything, this review shows that focusing on the long-term effects of breast cancer is important when evaluating the full extent of cancer treatment.

Lymphedema beyond breast cancer

“…[9][10][11] Similar adaptations have recently been used in a systematic review of quality of life issues facing long-term breast cancer survivors. 12 Each article was independently scored by 2 authors (R.L.A. and J.N.C.…”

Quality of Life in Relation to Length of Intensive Care Unit Stay After Cardiac Surgery

“…The included articles were assessed methodically for quality, adapting the criteria by Mols et al 16 This scoring system uses a checklist of 10 items (Table 2). Studies with a score ≥8 were considered to be of high quality, a score in the range of 5 to 7 "moderate quality," and a score <5 "poor quality.…”

Symptom Frequency, Intensity, and Distress in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedema

“…In a systematic review of the quality of life among long-term breast cancer survivors, researchers found that social support (i.e., the number of social contacts and the amount of social involvement with friends and family) was an important predictor of the quality of life of cancer survivors. 28 If high levels of symptom intensity correspond with poorer levels of psychosocial functioning, symptom intensity may be an important predictor of the quality of life of patients with lower limb lymphedema. Similar to symptom intensity, patients reported the highest median levels of distress in the areas of health insurance, body image, and sexuality.…”

“…Researchers found that breast cancer survivors with better health perceptions and who experienced less stress reported a better quality of life. 28 The importance of symptom distress as a potential predictor of the quality of life of patients with lower limb lymphedema should be explored. Qualitative studies are also needed to understand the unmet needs of patients with lower limb lymphedema in the psychosocial domain, with an emphasis on the area of patients' sexuality.…”