Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Studies

Abstract

Objective Quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients is still an important topic. Despite numerous quantitative scales, qualitative studies can help to in-depth understand the QoL of breast cancer patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to integrate qualitative studies on the QoL of women with breast cancer. Methods A literature search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 1, 2010 until June 28, 2022 to find out qualitative studies assessing breast cancer patient’s QoL. Two authors independently evaluated methodological quality according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Data were extracted and reported by themes for cancer-free women and patients with metastatic cancer separately. Results In all, 1565 citations were retrieved. After removing 1387 duplicate and irrelevant papers, the full texts of 27 articles were reviewed and finally, 9 were eligible for evaluation. In quality checking of the citations, all articles gained the required quality score. After examining and merging similar topics, nine major themes were extracted. Physical, spiritual, and psychological aspects of QoL were the common issues in cancer-free women (before and after the COVID-19 pandemic) and patients with metastatic cancer. Perception of cancer and social life were the other main concerns in cancer-free women, whereas, in metastatic patients’ overall survival and planning for the future and their children’s life was the focus of interest. Women with metastatic disease showed more vulnerability in coping compared to cancer-free women. Conclusion This review provides an opportunity to have a closer look into the several domains of QoL in women with breast cancer. In-depth information provided by this review might help to develop interventions for patients and their families to support women to cope much better with their life challenges.

How do Nigerian women construct the patterns of meaning of their identity and quality of life as breast cancer survivors? Illuminating Margaret Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness.

“…However, even in the presence of pain and severe side effects, the idea of moving on was discursively embraced by the women. Similar ndings were reported by Heidary et al [23] The authors found that survivors expressed distress about their capability to return to normal life despite being declared cancerfree. This could be because of what they may have passed through, seen or read about cancer that have consciously altered their worldview about the whole survivorship story.…”

“…The authors reiterated the need to develop cultural survivorship programs that will capture emotional information, provide in-kind support, and empower these patients for life adjustment. Heidary et al [23] added that self-nurturance helps the survivors to have new concept formation about self and health. Most participants demonstrated self-nurturance, which fosters both the physical and psychological health requisite to their happiness, well-being and self-growth.…”

“…However, multiple strategies used by the participants to deal with their fear, including faith, diversional therapy, encouragement, networking, and family bonds, were found to be effective. In addition, Heidary et al [23] found that cancer patients engage in activities such as making rugs and panting to free their minds from negative thoughts.…”

Analysis of Family Support in Enhancing Life Quality among Breast Cancer Patients at Haji Adam Malik Central General Hospital Medan

“…Family support can enhance the breast cancer patients life quality, as it is crucial for every patient (Heidary et al, 2023;Nurhidayati et al, 2023;Tan et al, 2023). Families play a significant role in providing motivation, attention, and care, addressing the needs of patients undergoing treatment (Karam et al, 2021;Novitarum et al, 2022).…”

Determinants of Physical and Mental Health-related Quality of Life among Patients with Breast Cancer During COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The most commonly reported stressor was a higher level of concern regarding the experienced anxiety and depressive symptoms and a higher fear of cancer recurrence (Massicotte et al, 2021). The previous review studies have only evaluated the quality of life in general, not specific to physical and mental HRQoL, and not during the COVID-19 pandemic (Heidary et al, 2023;Mokhtari-Hessari & Montazeri, 2020;Yan et al, 2016). Thus, this original study aimed to investigate the determinants and analyze their correlation to physical and mental HRQoL among patients with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”