Quality of Life in Long-Term Elderly Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors from Spain

Maintaining a good Quality of Life (QOL) in older long-term breast cancer survivors (LTBCS) is a major challenge. Identifying which areas are most affected and what factors are associated with them can help to optimize the health care provided.

A total of 316 older (≥70 years) stage I-IIIA LTBCS from Spain were subjected to breast surgery ≥5 years earlier completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-BR42 and QLQ-ELD14 on 2 occasions in the same year. QOL scores and their one-year evolution were described, and their associations with demographic (age: ≤75 years vs. >75 years and other variables) and clinical characteristics were assessed using nonparametric tests. Factors related to 2 key aspects of QOL specific to older patients assessed by the QLQ-ELD14 (mobility limitations and maintaining purpose) were also explored with linear regression models.

QOL scores were high (>80/100 points) in most areas. Limitations were moderate (>30 points) in sexual functioning/enjoyment, skeletal symptoms, and 3 scales specific to older patients. QOL differences between the 2 assessments were few and trivial. The >75 years group showed lower QOL than the ≤75 years group in 9 QLQ-C30 and 4 QLQ-ELD14 areas. Patients living with a partner and without radiotherapy showed better QOL. Combinations of lower symptoms and higher functioning with cohabitation and clinical variables were related to the 2 QLQ-ELD14 scales.

High QOL in older early-stage LTBCS from Spain indicated that patients adapted well to their situation. These results, relevant due to the high age of our participants, indicate areas for improvement.