Health related quality of life 18 month after breast cancer surgery in patients refer to Tehran cancer institute and Ghaem Hospital (Mashhad)

Background: Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in Iran; however, quality of life (QOL) following breast cancer therapy remains rarely studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of life in breast cancer survivors (BCS) with women without breast cancer (controls). In addition, we aimed to evaluate the effect of different types of breast cancer surgery on QOL. Methods: A total of 499 women (201 BCSs and 298 controls), 18 months postdiagnosis, were recruited from 2 cancer and surgery clinics. Participants provided informed consent. To assess the quality of life, we used a demographic questionnaire, the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Quality of Life assessment in Breast Cancer (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Results: After adjusting for age, education and employment status, results show that BCSs have worse social functioning and body image compared with female controls. In addition they experienced more financial difficulties, breast and arm symptoms. In BCS group, and fatigue score was highest in patients that have received mastectomy and reconstruction; Body image, role and social functioning were worst in patients who have undergone mastectomy alone between three different types of procedures. Conclusion: Our results suggest that Iranian female BCSs may experience unique health-related outcomes. Findings suggest the importance of understanding the survivorship experience for different ethnic populations.