Quality of life and its sociodemographic determinants in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. As the outcome of any cancer treatment is not only dependent on disease-free interval but also on the quality of life (QOL) of the survivor. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate QOL of breast cancer patients and sociodemographic factors affecting QOL of patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 breast cancer patients and 50 controls, which fulfilled the selection criteria. The sociodemographic profile and QOL using the World Health Organization QOL-BREF were analyzed using the descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS: All the QOL indicators were statistically significantly (P = 0.0001) lower among breast cancer patients. QOL indicators were statistically significantly (P < 0.01) lower in young age. Not much difference was observed according to religion and these were significantly (P < 0.05) higher among the homemakers. There was no significant difference in all the QOL indicators according to the marital status of the cases. However, these were significantly (P < 0.05) higher among rural cases compared with urban one. The QOL indicators were statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher among the cases living in joint families than nuclear. No difference was observed among different socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: QOL was significantly lower among the breast cancer patients. Age, occupational status, type of family, and locality were the significant factors that affect the QOL of breast cancer patients. Hence, psychological and social support can play an important role in improving QOL of cancer patient.