Health-Related Quality of Life in Women Battling Breast Cancer

Abstract

Objective: To assess quality of life in women with breast cancer by examining their sociodemographic and health profiles and determining the relationship between these factors and quality of life.

Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Marjan Medical City’s Oncology Centre, Iraq from 1st April 2024 to 9th February 2025.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Marjan Medical City’s Oncology Centre, Iraq and 200 women with breast cancer were enrolled.

Results: 26.5% women between 50-59 years of age, 76% women were married, 29% have bachelors degree, 61.5% were belonged to urban areas 69% women were unemployed. The majority of applicants lived with family (93%). 27.5% had a first-degree comparative with breast cancer, whereas 54.5% had no chronic diseases and 51.5% were overweight. 42% were spotted within the earlier 1-2 years and 51% were at phase II diseases. 59.5% women treated with radical mastectomy and 53% received both radiotherapy and chemotherapy and moderate perceived social support. No association were founded among quality of life and sociodemographic factors. However, health-related issues showed solid correlations, time since diagnosis (p=0.000), surgery type (p=0.002) and type of treatment
(p=0.003) were all significantly accomplished to quality of life.

Conclusion: The sociodemographic issues did not influence quality of life, health-related factors such as surgical intervention, diagnosis duration and type of treatment had a significant influence. Social support levels were
moderate among participants.