Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.
2
Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.
10.21608/ejgg.2024.452251
Abstract
Background:
There are numerous treatment regimens for breast cancer, but the side effects of treatments and their impact on quality of life (QOL) are different. So, stratification of treatments should focus on individual profiles and QOL.
Objective:
To assess the QOL of elderly females with breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study included 73 elderly females recruited from Ain Shams University oncology clinics.
Sociodemographic data were collected. Past relevant medical history was taken using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).
Two questionnaires assessed QOL: the European Organisation for Research and Treatment Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), which included global health status, function, and symptom scales.
The second questionnaire was the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life breast cancer-specific module (EORTC QLQ-BR23), which included functional and symptom scales.
These questionnaires were administered at baseline, before treatment, and 1 month after the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).
Results:
In our study, 73 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer were enrolled. The mean age was 63.59 years, and the median CCI score was 4.
Regarding EORTC QLQ-C30, there was statistical significance in all items of the QOL from baseline to post-chemotherapy. Mean of overall health and QOL declined. They showed an increased burden over time in the aspects of physical, role function, emotional, cognitive, social functions, and symptoms.
Regarding EORTC QLQ-BR23, deterioration in scores was observed in body image, most of the side effects, arm symptoms, and Hair loss upset. However, breast symptoms showed a decline over time, while the mean score for quality of sexual life increased after chemotherapy. Conclusions: Overall, breast cancer patients perceived benefits from cancer treatment. However, after completing treatment, patients reported issues related to global QOL, body, arm symptoms, and body image.
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