Quality of life in very long-term (including > 20 years' follow-up) early-stage breast cancer survivors from Spain

To study the quality of life of Spanish very long-term early-stage breast cancer survivors, differences between groups based on follow-up duration and global QOL determinants.

Participating in this cross-sectional study were 211 stage I-IIIA-C breast cancer patients from a single centre subjected to breast surgery ≥ 10 years earlier. Patients completed EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR45. Patients ≥ 65 years also completed QLQ-ELD14. Comparisons were studied between groups based on the age at assessment (< 70, 71-75 and ≥ 76 years) and years since the beginning of treatment (≤ 15, 16-20 and > 20 years) (both via the Kruskal-Wallis test and the latter adjusted by age). Demographic, clinical and QOL determinants of QLQ-C30 global QOL scale were also studied (linear regression models).

Whole sample QOL scores were high (> 80/100 points) in most areas. Moderate limitations (> 30 points) occurred in QLQ-BR42 in sexual functioning and enjoyment and skeletal symptoms, and in QLQ-ELD14 in worries about others, maintaining purpose and joint stiffness. The ≥ 76 group showed the lowest functioning (physical, sexual, mobility, maintaining purpose), breast satisfaction and family support, and highest fatigue and joint stiffness of the three groups. The > 20 years since beginning of treatment group showed the highest functioning (physical, mobility, and maintaining purpose) and lowest fatigue and joint stiffness. Combining physical functioning, mobility, sleep disturbance, and systemic side effects, R² = 60.7.

Quality of life in very long-term early-stage breast cancer patients was high in the whole sample and follow-up groups, indicating patients adapted well to their situation. Results are highly relevant due to the sample's high mean age.