Relationship between severity of symptoms and quality of life in patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy and to examine possible relationships between the two measurements.


METHODS
Descriptive, correlational study.


METHODS
An oncology clinic within a tertiary medical center in Israel.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 132 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer receiving hormonal therapy.


METHODS
Data collection was conducted through the self-administered Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy endocrine subscale and a sociodemographic and medical information questionnaire.


METHODS
QOL and symptoms of hormonal therapy.


RESULTS
Ten symptoms were categorized by more than 20% of the participants as "very much" or "quite a bit." The mean QOL score for the participants was higher than that for a healthy population, although a correlation was found between fewer symptoms and higher QOL. Mood swings and irritability were the symptoms most strongly associated with a decrease in QOL. Patients who exercised had higher QOL scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Adjuvant hormonal therapy did not affect the QOL of a majority of patients with primary breast cancer. A reduced number of symptoms indicated a higher QOL. Mood swings and irritability have a negative impact on QOL.


CONCLUSIONS
A need exists to design a program to follow up on hormonal symptoms and the QOL of patients receiving hormonal therapy and to encourage patients to engage in regular exercise.
Ochayon
Leah
L
Oncology and Hematology Clinic, Sharett Institute, Jerusalem, Israel. leao@hadassah.org.il
Zelker
Revital
R
Kaduri
Luna
L
Kadmon
Ilana
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal