Resumen

RECALDE, MT  y  SAMUDIO, M. Quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing ambulatory oncologic treatment at the Social Security Institute in 2010. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2012, vol.10, n.2, pp.13-29. ISSN 1812-9528.

Breast cancer is very frequent in women and its diagnosis and treatment influence the quality of life of affected women in the physical, psychological, social and sexual aspects.In Paraguay, there are few studies on the quality of life of cancer patients.The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of 125 women who were between 25 and 90 years, had breast cancer and underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy in the outpatient Day Hospital of the Hematology Service of the Central Hospital of the Social Security Institute(IPS in Spanish).Two questionnaires were administered, a generic about the quality of life of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30), and one specific: breast cancer module (QLQ-BR23).The women reported physical discomfort (pain, insomnia, and fatigue), psychological distress and difficulties in their sex life. There was a very good correlation between the two instruments (r=0.77, p<0.0001), despite the lower scores shown in the QLQBR23 as compared to the QLQ30 (68.0 ± 13.4 versus 79.9 ± 14.0). General health scores had the lowest average. No person described their general health as excellent. The stage of the disease and presence of lymphedema were associated with lower scores of the quality of life. In general, the participants described their general health and quality of life as good, showing ability to perform home tasks and social activities. We conclude that the quality of life related to health is favorable in these patients.

Palabras clave : quality of life; breast cancer; cancer treatment; QLQ 30; QLQ BR 23.

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