Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose:The purposes of this study were to evaluate symptom experience and quality of life (QOL) and to identify the predictors of QOL among breast cancer survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 disease-free breast cancer survivors at two hospitals between December 2007 and July 2008. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-B, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-short Form and The Linear Analogue Self Assessment Scale were used to assess symptom experience and QOL in these patients. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 12.0. Results: The mean score of QOL for breast cancer survivors was 95.81 (±18.02). The highest scores among physical and psychological symptoms were sexual interest and anxiety. Year since treatment completion was significantly associated with QOL in sociodemographic variables. Physical and psychological symptoms have a significant negative association with QOL. The results of the regression analyses showed that physical and psychological symptoms were statistically significant in predicting patients' QOL. Conclusion: Symptom experience and QOL are essential variables that should be acknowledged when delivering health care to breast cancer survivors. More attention to the reduction and management of psychological distress could improve QOL among breast cancer survivors.

Effects of a self-managed home-based walking intervention on psychosocial health outcomes for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a randomised controlled trial

“…There is some evidence on depression to support this whereby levels of depression have been found 309 to decrease naturally over time in cancer patients [45]. 310 Strengths of our study include the direct comparison of walking to usual care alone in a homogenous 311 sample of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.…”

Quality of Life and Symptom Experience in Breast Cancer Survivors After Participating in a Psychoeducational Support Program

“…Research to determine optimal strategies to improve breast cancer survivors' overall health and QOL is needed. 3,4 The successful completion of primary treatment marks the beginning of the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor. 1 With advances in treatment, a diagnosis of breast cancer is not necessarily a harbinger of premature deathVmany women can expect survival that is similar to age-matched women without breast cancer, representing one of the largest groups of cancer survivors.…”

“…1 With advances in treatment, a diagnosis of breast cancer is not necessarily a harbinger of premature deathVmany women can expect survival that is similar to age-matched women without breast cancer, representing one of the largest groups of cancer survivors. 2,4,6Y17 In addition, cancer survivors are at risk for longterm or delayed effects of treatment such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. 3,4 The successful completion of primary treatment marks the beginning of the transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor.…”

Effects of Laughter Therapy on Depression, Quality of Life, Resilience and Immune Responses in Breast Cancer Survivors

“…진단과 치료과정에서 신체적인 고통 과 심리적 고통 등 다양한 요인으로 과다한 스트레스를 경험하게 되고 이는 불안과 우울 등의 정신적 증상으로 표현된다 ). 이렇게 신체적이고 심리적인 증상들은 전체적인 삶의 질에도 악영향을 주며 의학적 치료를 끝낸 후에도 긴 회복과정에 걸쳐서 신체적, 심리적, 사회적, 영적 측면에서 취약한 상태이므로 이들의 적응과 삶의 질 증진을 위한 노력이 필요하다 (Park, Jun, Kang, Joung, & Kim, 2009). 또한 이러한 사회 심리적 부적응과 삶의 질 저하는 유 방암 생존자들의 면역기능을 약화시켜 질병의 예후와 치료과정에 부정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있다 (Goodwin et al, 2004).…”