Effect of different modalities of treatment on the quality of life of breast cancer patients in Egypt

Abstract

The impact of breast cancer therapy on the quality of life (QL) of Egyptian women was studied. Patients were divided into four groups: 1: mastectomy alone; 2: surgery plus radiotherapy; 3: surgery plus chemotherapy; and 4: triple modality. The results revealed that all the four domains of QL of women having adjuvant therapy (groups 2, 3, or 4) were significantly altered compared to those who underwent mastectomy alone. Triple modality adversely affected global QL the most compared to radiotherapy or chemotherapy; radiotherapy had significantly less effect on QL compared to chemotherapy. Triple modality predicted the worst QL. QL measures should be incorporated, with the traditional end points for evaluation of treatment and patients given health education on the effects of each therapy.