Early effect of surgery on quality of life in women with operable breast cancer

Quality of life (QOL) after a diagnosis of breast cancer varies considerably across individuals. The treatment modality of the patients significantly contributes to their QOL. The present study reports the initial findings on the early effects of surgery in patients with breast cancer.

Two hundred and fifty-one women with breast cancer undergoing surgery were interviewed prior to and after the surgery using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast (FACT-B). Trial Outcome Index (TOI) was calculated besides total and subscale scores. The results were analyzed using paired t-test and two-sample paired Wilcoxon signed rank test. Multivariate analysis was carried out using repeated measures general liner model with 2-way interactions.

Significant reduction in physical well-being (P = 0.001), functional well-being (P = 0.00) and the breast-specific subscale (P = 0.000) was observed after surgery. No significant change was observed in social or emotional well-being. Total FACT scores and TOI too showed significant declines (P = 0.000; and P = 0.000 respectively) on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis, however, showed no difference in QOL after surgery, but QOL was significantly poor among women undergoing mastectomy.

Results of the present study indicate no significant change in overall QOL immediately after the surgery, probably reflecting strong family and social support for these women. QOL was significantly better among women undergoing breast conservation compared with mastectomy.