Coping and quality of life in patients with breast cancer: Preliminary study about similarities and differences between patients with and without metastasis

Abstract

Objective: To obtain information about the coping strategies used by breast cancer patients, and their relationship with quality of life, differentiating two health situations: patients with and without metastasis, treated in the same specialized hospital of our environment. Method: 60 women with breast cancer were interviewed individually and completed two instruments that measured various components of quality of life (QLTF) and five different ways of coping with the disease (mini-MAC test). Results: Coping strategies are related to the quality of life of patients with breast cancer. In our study, we observed that responding to the oncological situation by means of “Anxious concerns” or “Hopelessness” correlates with a greater affectation of the general quality of life. However, no significant differences are observed between patients with metastasis and without metastasis regarding the strategies. Patients with metastasis present more difficulties in carrying out their daily activities, but the emotional discomfort is similar in both groups. Conclusion: In congruence with previous studies, the active coping strategies and responses are related to a better quality of life. Although patients with metastases show more difficulties and quality of life impairments, it seems that they face the disease in a similar way to patients without metastases.