Study on Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients Receiving First Line Chemotherapy in a Tertiary Care Hospital Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction The aim of our study is to assess how the quality of life of patients with Breast cancer is affected by the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs Doxorubicin, Cyclophphamide and Taxane. Methods Questionnaire form was developed which includes questions on side effects of chemotherapy, that ask presence and severity of psychological, spiritual and social well being and extent of fear in patients receiving chemotherapy. The questionnaire forms are filled by patients after taking their written consent and explaining the study to them. The patients' data is collected from Oncology daycare at The Aga Khan University Hospital. Results The most common problems for patients receiving chemotherapy for Breast cancers are fatigue, changes in appetite and generalized pain affecting more than 90 percent patients. More than eighty percent patients have fear of recurrence or spreading of their disease and financial burden. Around sixty to seventy percent patients have issues with their psychological wellbeing like lack of happiness and satisfaction in life, difficulty to concentrate and feeling usefulness of life. Ninety percent people feel stress in their family but on the other hand receive same amount of support too. Almost ninety percent people are markedly motivated towards religious activities. Conclusions This study can be concluded as that severely affecting problems to most of the patients are fatigue, pains, changes in appetite, sleep and financial burden. Religion and spiritual activities becomes the primary point of interest, overall most of the people feel happy, hopeful and find their selves still useful. (Figure Presented) .