Health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction after treatment for breast cancer in northern Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate health-related quality of life (QoL) and attitudes toward surgical procedures for breast cancer among patients in northern Taiwan.


METHODS
Two hundred twenty posttreatment breast cancer patients completed a QoL survey at two different hospitals in northern Taiwan. Patients (median age, 49 years; range, 32-69 years) had either undergone mastectomy (n = 157) or breast conservation treatment (BCT) (n = 63). The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Breast questionnaire was used to assess QoL. The patients were also asked about breast reconstruction or use of an artificial breast or not, as well as the decision-making process.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in QoL between patients treated with BCT or mastectomy. Significantly more mastectomy patients had had breast reconstruction or wore an artificial breast (49.7% vs. 3.2%; p < 0.001). Of those who had BCT, 81% would make the same choice again, compared with only 49% of mastectomy patients (p < 0.001). Only 7.6% of patients who made the treatment decision themselves were dissatisfied with their treatment, compared with 25% for whom the decision was made by someone else (p = 0.004).


CONCLUSIONS
Taiwanese women with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy did not report a worse QoL than those who received BCT, but they were more likely to be concerned about their resulting body image. Half would have chosen a less extensive procedure if they had it to do over. Women were more likely to be satisfied with the results of their treatment if they had decided themselves.
Chang
Joseph Tung-Chieh
JT
Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan. jtchange@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Chen
Chun-Je
CJ
Lin
Yun-Chan
YC
Chen
Yuan-Chua
YC
Lin
Chien-Yu
CY
Cheng
Ann-Joy
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D018427:Breast Implants / Q000523:psychology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000523:psychology; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013624:Taiwan