Quality of life issues in patients with disseminated breast cancer

Over half the women treated for breast cancer will experience advanced disease, and issues related to quality of life are particularly important. This article has reviewed components of quality of life specific to women with advanced breast cancer following two clinical courses:those who develop a recurrence and those who present with advanced disease. It is clear that additional research is warranted on the quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer. Work to date has clearly indicated that the management of women with advanced disease requires the resources available from a multidisciplinary perspective. Efforts to manage advanced breast cancer must include both current medical therapies and attention to the critical factors associated with enhancing the quality of their lives. Of final concern is the relationship of social class to advanced disease. Following Freeman's recent outline of the agenda for the American Cancer Society, more attention must be given to people who are economically disadvantaged because cancer incidence and mortality are greater among poor people than among the affluent. It is possible that over 50% of women presenting with advanced cancer of the breast are economically disadvantaged. Validation of this problem through research should lead to prevention programs targeted to this population. Women with breast cancer who are economically disadvantaged may be particularly receptive to interventions that will enhance their quality of life.