Impact of Surgery Type on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients.
OBJECTIVE
Breast cancer can lead to alterations in quality of life of the patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in quality of life of the female patients who had undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer.


METHODS
A total of 250 female patients (breast-preserving surgery (BPS), n=27, 11%; modified radical mastectomy (MRM), n=194, 77%, and simple mastectomy (SM), n=29; 11%) aged between 28-55 years (47.4±6.4 yrs) were included in the study. Patient information, demographic characteristics, income, and treatment modalities applied were recorded. Validated Turkish versions of EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC-BR23 questionnaires were used for all patients.


RESULTS
Breast-preserving surgery has a more favorable impact on general well-being, physical role, cognitive, psychological, and social functions, and symptom scale scores. When the identical parameters were taken into consideration, relatively favorable outcomes of BPS on the patients were observed relative to mastectomized patients. Besides, though not statistically significant, BPS has more patient-friendly effects on sexual function and sexual satisfaction in comparison with mastectomy. Patients with advanced stage disease and elder patients had more unfavorable health related quality of life (HRQoL) scores than younger patients, and those in their early stages of breast cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Quality of life of BPS patients is less adversely affected relative to mastectomized patients. In the decision-making process, quality of life should be taken into consideration.
Department of Internal Medicine, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.
Mustafa
M
Akça
Clinic of Medical Oncology, Mersin State Hospital, Mersin, Turkey.
Alper
A
Ata
Department of Medical Oncology, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.
Erdinç
E
Nayır
Department of Medical Oncology, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.
Süleyman
S
Erdoğdu
Department of Medical Oncology, Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.
Ali
A
Arıcan
Breast cancer; mastectomy; psychosocial factors; quality of life; sexual activity