[Preoperative quality of life in women with pathological alteration in breast]

The aim of the study was to assess the similarities or differences in the psychosocial response to primary diagnosis of malicious or benign tumor in breast significantly influenced the quality of life in women in preoperative period. Health-related quality of life has been studied in the preoperative period in the group of 59 patients with malicious tumor and in the group of 130 women with benign tumor in comparison to 126 healthy women. Study was performed using self-administered questionnaire consists of The Rand Mental Health Inventory (three distress scores include depression, anxiety and loss of behavioral or emotional control; two well-being scores include general positive affect and emotional ties), COOP Charts (measuring nine dimensions of QOL), subscale focus on social support was used for the presented analysis; additionally questions concerning demographic and social characteristics of women as well as questions on illness behaviors have been involved. Statistical analysis was performed using multidimensional models of logistic regression. Results based on multidimensional logistic regression models showed higher risk of anxiety (OR=4,0; 95% CI=(1,8; 8,6)), depression(OR=3,0; 95% CI=(1,4; 6,2)) and distress (OR=2,5; 95% CI=(1,2; 5,3)) in women with malicious tumor in comparison to healthy women. Comparatively, higher risk of anxiety (OR=1,8; 95% CI=(1,0; 3,2)) and depression (OR=2,0; 95% CI=(1,2; 3,5)) among women with benign tumor in regard to healthy ones. Further examination of determinants of components of mental health among three analyzed group of women showed that among women with benign tumor higher risk of anxiety (OR=3,5; 95% CL=(1,2; 10,5)), depression (OR=3,2; 95% CI=(1,2;9,1)) and loss of behavioral or emotional control ((OR=4.3; 95% CI=(1,5;12,0)) as well as distress (OR=4,3; 95% CI=(1,5;13,0)) was related with considerable reduction of receiving support. Women with malicious tumor also indicated that slightly reduction of the received support was associated with higher risk of the loss of behavioral or emotional control (Isz=6,6; 95% PU=(1,4; 30,8)). Results confirmed that also diagnosis of benign tumor in breast is perceived as an event which significantly decreased quality of life in preoperative period. Interactions between medical staff - and patients with any change in breast should based on good verbal communication, giving information which help understanding by patients all aspects of diagnosis and expected treatment.