Quality of life in long-term breast cancer survivors

This study evaluated the quality of life of long-term breast cancer survivors. 

With improved screening, diagnosis and treatment techniques, survival rates of breast cancer patients increases with time. Therefore, there is considerable interest in these patients’ quality of life (QOL). Many patients have psychological difficulties (tiredness, depression and pain) in dealing with the diagnosis and coping with the disease and the treatments. This study evaluated the changes in the quality of life of breast cancer survivors and whether in long-term survivors it can be similar to women of the same age with no history of breast cancer.

This study included 285 women treated for localized (confined) breast cancer between 1989 and 1996. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating their QOL at diagnosis, at 1 year after the diagnosis and approximately 12 years after the diagnosis. For comparison, a group of 167 women of the same age but no history of breast cancer were chosen as a control group. 

Researchers found that the overall QOL continuously improved over time after the diagnosis (from 5.3% at 1 year after diagnosis to 13.3% at 12 years after diagnosis). Clinically significant improvements (more than 5% improvements) were seen in physical condition (5.9% after 1 year and 14.4% after 12 years of follow up) and tiredness (16.2% improvement from 1 year to 12 years after the diagnosis). Improvements in social functioning were seen by 1 year after the diagnosis and continued thereafter. No significant differences in overall QOL were found between breast cancer survivors and the control group. However, breast cancer patients had poorer cognitive (conscious mental activities) functions (5.3% difference) and a poorer financial status (a 6.3% difference) compared to the control group. 

This study found significant improvements in the QOL of breast cancer survivors in the first year after diagnosis, which were sustained over time. Also, approximately 12 years after the diagnosis, there were no major differences in QOL of breast cancer survivors compared to women of the same age with no breast cancer history. 

This study involved a relatively small number of patients, which might not be significant for the general population of breast cancer patients. 

Consult with your doctor about ways to improve your health and general quality of life during, and after treatment.