Nutritional status and quality of life of patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

Abstract

Nutritional status is a critical factor influencing the treatment outcomes and quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Likewise, quality of life can also affect the nutritional status and treatment efficacy, creating a dynamic, interdependent association. The present study investigated the nutritional status and quality of life of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The present cross‑sectional study enrolled 195 patients aged ≥18 years and the analysis were performed using the patient‑generated subjective global assessment tool alongside anthropometric measurements. Quality of life was evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ)‑C30 and EORTC QLQ‑BR23. According to body mass index classification, malnutrition accounts for a small proportion (5.6% of participants), whereas overweight and obesity account for a higher proportion (15.9% of participants). According to the patient‑generated subjective global assessment, the incidence of malnutrition proportion was higher, accounting for 25.6%. The quality of life according to EORTC QLQ C30 indicated that the global health status was 63.2±13.6 points, while physical functioning had the highest value (79.4±20.0 points); social functioning exhibited an opposite trend. The average points of the symptom scales were 18.9±18.8 points; insomnia and fatigue were the most negative symptoms of patients with breast cancer. For the quality of life according to EORTC QLQ‑BR23, the average point of functional scales was 30.1±16.1 points, whereas the figure for symptom scales was 12.6±10.0 points. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that obesity is a key issue that warrants attention among patients. Moreover, quality of life is markedly impacted by the side‑effects of chemotherapy, with sleep disturbances being the most common symptom.