Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaires in Breast Cancer Patients. A Comparative Study Plus Systematic Literature Review

Authors:

Stavrakis T^1*, Foroglou P² and Papapolichroniadis C³

Volume 1, Issue 2

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally as well as the principle cause of death. Despite the high incidence rates of this malignant disease, 89% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are still alive more than 5 years after their diagnosis. This outcome is due mainly to early diagnosis and treatment design with or without reconstructive aesthetic procedure. Satisfaction and seriously quality of life is the most important point of view in our systematic and extensive research study of international literature.

Materials and Methods: We reviewed totally 31 studies containing a large number of different instruments measuring health related quality of life in breast cancer treatment, with or without reconstruction.

Results: Overall, 24 different survey instruments were identified within the 31 included studies. The most frequently used questionnaires are SF-36 and then FACT-B and most studies used more than 1 questionnaire.

Conclusions: The SF-36, FACT-B, EORTC-C30 and EORTC BR23 are most common questionnaires used in assessing health related quality of life in breast cancer. Suitable and correct approach to the patient is one of the best and important factors of the research. The patients feel comfortable of this reality from researcher’s interest so by this correct contact express their experience and opinions about disease treatment design.

Keywords:

Breast Cancer; Mastectomy; Health-Related Quality of Life; Questionnaires; Breast Reconstruction

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