Quality of life of women treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer |
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Authors: | T S Lee S L Kilbreath K M Refshauge S C Pendlebury J M Beith M J Lee |
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Institution: | (1) School of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, 1825, Australia;(2) Department of Radiation Oncology, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia;(3) Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia |
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Abstract: | Goals of work Radiotherapy is routinely used in the treatment of early breast cancer, particularly in women who have undergone lumpectomy.
Its impact on the quality of life of patients is important and is taken into consideration when making informed choices about
treatment from both a patient’s and health professional’s point of view. This study reports on the quality of life of women
at baseline, the completion of radiotherapy and 7 months after the completion of radiotherapy.
Materials and methods European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C-30 and BR-23 questionnaires were used to evaluate
quality of life of 61 women treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer. Additionally, demographic and treatment variables
were analysed in relation to quality of life outcomes to determine if there were any significant predictors of quality of
life.
Main results There was no difference in quality of life of women at baseline, completion and 7 months after completion of radiotherapy.
Fatigue and breast symptoms increased during radiotherapy but returned to baseline levels at 7 months. Fatigue was the strongest
predictor of poor quality of life in women after radiotherapy.
Conclusion Women retain a high quality of life and return to baseline function by 7 months after radiotherapy. Treatment may best be
targeted to alleviate fatigue and breast symptoms during radiotherapy. |
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Keywords: | Breast cancer Radiotherapy Quality of life Fatigue |
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