Abstract 552P
Background
Breast cancer is highly prevalent and a leading cause of cancer death among women in Indonesia. Its treatment leads to physical and emotional suffering, reducing patients' Quality of Life (QoL). This study aims to evaluate the impact of breast cancer and its therapy on the QoL of patients at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta.
Methods
This observational study involved 528 breast cancer patients at Dr. Moewardi Hospital from May to July 2024. Patients with a Karnofsky score of at least 60% participated. The QoL questionnaire used QOQ-SF36 and QOQ-C30 instruments. Statistical analysis used Spearman's Correlation.
Results
Global Health status QoL had an average score of 44.30 ±14.18, indicating poor quality of life. The highest Functional scale score was social function (91.41±15.67), and the lowest was physical function (83.21±21.64). Severe symptoms on Symptom scales were nausea and vomiting (26.70±27.82), dyspnea (19.76±28.73), diarrhea (19.44±25.91), and insomnia (13.00±24.45). Positive relationships were found between therapy and Functional scales, especially physical function (p=0.001), role function (p=0.000), and emotional function (p=0.000). Hormonal therapy improved role function (p=0.004) and reduced fatigue (p=0.021), nausea and vomiting (p=0.002), insomnia (p=0.045), loss of appetite (p=0.008), and financial difficulties (p=0.008). Chemotherapy reduced social function (p=0.008) and increased fatigue (p=0.000), nausea and vomiting (p=0.000), pain (p=0.025), insomnia (p=0.033), loss of appetite (p=0.002), and financial difficulties (p=0.009). Surgery reduced role function (p=0.012) and increased financial problems (p=0.039). Radiation therapy reduced cognitive function (p=0.002).
Conclusions
Breast cancer and its therapy significantly affect patients' QoL. Hormonal therapy improves role function and reduces symptoms. Chemotherapy and surgery negatively impact social and role functions and increase financial difficulties. Radiation therapy reduces cognitive function.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The author.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.