Quality of life in women with breast cancer treated at a radiotherapy centre in Caruaru, Pernambuco, Brazil

• Published in: Canadian oncology nursing journal Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 162 - 171
• Main Authors: da Silva, Jonatas Gomes Barbosa, Costa, Diogo Timóteo, Cavalcanti, Iago Dillion Lima, de Britto Lira Nogueira, Mariane Cajubá, Oliveira, Diego Augusto Lopes
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology 2022
• Subjects: radiotherapy; quality of life; nursing care; breast neoplasms
• ISSN: 1181-912X; 2368-8076
• DOI: 10.5737/23688076322162171

To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy treatment. The current study is a descriptive quantitative approach that seeks to identify the QOL of breast cancer patients during their radiotherapy treatment. A convenience sample of 30 women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer completed the EORTC QLQC30 questionnaire on Day 1 and Day 28. Results showed significant differences in QOL between the two sessions. Decreases in overall health (88.33 to 61.67) and functional health (76.45 to 67.77) were noted in parallel to an increase in the scale of symptoms (13.85 for 24.62). The radiotherapeutic treatment impacts the QOL of patients with breast cancer. It is crucial for the nursing team to work together with a multi-professional team to adequately manage the treatment of these patients adequately.