Quality of Life among Female Breast Cancer Patients in a University Hospital in Malaysia

Aims: To assess the Quality of Life (QOL) among female breast cancer patients in a university hospital in Malaysia.
Study Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Surgery and Oncology Clinic in University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) between 22nd May 2014 and 27th June 2014.
Methodology: A total of 133 female breast cancer patients were selected by universal sampling, out of which 117 patients responded. The QOL was measured both by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and breast cancer specific supplementary module (QLQ-BR23).
Results: The global health status/QOL mean score was 67.81 (SD±18.92). Mean age of the respondent was 54 years (SD±18.39). Nearly half of the Malay breast cancer patients (45.6%) diagnosed at the stage of III & IV. In the functional scales, the highest mean score was observed for cognitive functioning 83.19 (SD±22.26); whereas emotional functioning had the lowest mean score 62.96 (SD±26.39). The respondents were satisfied with their body image with a mean score of 81.34 (SD±24.26) but greatly affected by sexual functioning with a mean score of 31.48 (SD±26.96). Most prevalent general symptoms reported in this study were fatigue, insomnia, pain, appetite loss and financial difficulties; and most prevalent breast cancer specific symptom was found upset by hair loss.
Conclusion: Specific measures should be taken for the routine breast cancer screening, awareness and education programmes to promote early detection and diagnosis of the breast cancer. The planned rehabilitation protocol should be addressed by health care professionals to further improve the QOL among breast cancer patients.