title: Quality of life among advanced breast cancer patients with and without distant metastasis.
abstract: This study presents the results of a secondary analysis of data collected during a trial of reflexology that aimed to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among women with advanced breast cancer in treatment. A comparison of HRQOL (functioning, symptoms, spirituality) of those with (n = 298) and without (n = 87) distant metastasis is presented. Following the intake interview, 385 women were randomised to reflexology, lay foot manipulation or conventional care control, and were interviewed again at weeks 5 and 11. Those with distant metastasis were older, had fewer comorbid conditions, and a smaller proportion were employed. Longitudinal analysis of HRQOL at intake, 5 and 11 weeks revealed that those with distant metastasis had lower functioning and more pain; however, no differences were found on fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms or spirituality. Despite advanced disease, 56% of all women in this study were below the clinical screening cut-off for depressive symptoms. These findings may indicate that patients with advanced breast cancer have adapted emotionally and spiritually; however, the management of physical symptoms remains a priority.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1317, USA. gwyatt@msu.edu
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wyatt
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sikorskii
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tamkus
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: You
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D055815:Young Adult