Background
Patient preferences and experiences are essential elements of breast cancer programs and are often the outcomes of greatest importance to patients. Unfortunately, not much is known about breast cancer survivors’ (BCSs) perceptions and their quality of life (QoL) in Egypt. The authors aimed at assessing BCSs perception of their QoL to better understand their health problems and care needs.
Participants and methods
A sample of 125 BCSs were interviewed during their follow-up visits at two outpatient oncology clinics in Alexandria, Egypt, to assess their perception of their own QoL at this stage using the EuroQol five-dimensions-three-level questionnaire. Data related to patient age, social standard, and cancer stage were collected to assess its influence on QoL.
Results
The study results showed that the quality of life among BCSs was dramatically affected in the form of persistent pain (92.8%), anxiety (84%), limitation in activity (81.6%), limitation in mobility (70.4%), and limitation in self-care (56.8%). Age, social standard, and cancer stage had variable effects on the dimensions of QoL.
Conclusion
The QoL among the study sample members was dramatically and negatively affected to an extent that warrants consideration by policy makers and health care providers. Breast cancer care models should be readjusted to address this important issue.