Title: [Quality of life in breast cancer survivors]

POPLINE Document Number: 314984

Author(s):

Conde DM
Pinto-Neto AM
de Freitas Junior R
Aldrighi JM

Source citation:

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetricia, 2006 Mar;28(3):195-204.

Abstract:

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women. Its diagnosis and treatment have social, economic, physical, emotional/psychological and sexual repercussions. The main parameters used to assess the results of anticancer therapy are disease-free survival and overall survival. More recently, quality of life (QOL) has been considered an additional parameter. No consensus exists about the definition of QOL. However, most definitions take into account multidimensional and subjective aspects of QOL. The identification of factors related to QOL and comprehension of how these factors contribute to the perception of QOL are reasons for debate, since the concept of QOL is directly related to the social and cultural context in which the individual is inserted. Age at diagnosis, chemotherapy, type of surgery, climacteric symptoms, relationship between the couple, and sexuality are several factors associated with QOL in women with breast cancer. QOL associated with different antineoplastic therapies may help patients and physicians choose the best therapeutic modality. Towards this end, the current article addresses various aspects of QOL of breast cancer women, and presents the state-of-the-art knowledge on the topic. (author's)

Keywords:

Literature Review
Women
Breast Cancer
Quality of Life
Age Factors
Treatment
Partner Communication
Sexuality
Signs and Symptoms
Demographic Factors
Population
Cancer
Neoplasms
Diseases
Social Welfare
Economic Factors
Population Characteristics
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Interpersonal Relations
Behavior
Personality
Psychological Factors