Health related quality of life measured by in Tunisian female patients with breast cancer

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a worldwide public health issue. In Tunisia It is the leading cause of cancer mortality and morbidity and accounts for 20-25% of malignant tumors in women in all age groups. There is limited information about the long-term quality of life (QOL) in disease-free breast cancer survivors Aim To assess the quality of life of women with breast cancer in remission. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among women with breast cancer, treated at the maternity ward of the University Hospital Farhat Hached in Sousse during the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31; 2017. The patients were surveyed 24 to 60 months after their cancer diagnosis. The quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23). Results 100 breast cancer patients were recruited with a mean age of 52 ± 8 years. The mean Global Health Status was 77.5 (SD = 25.5). From the QLQ-C30, the mean score in the functioning scale was highest for ‘social functioning' (93; SD = 16.3), while the mean score in the symptom scale was highest for ‘Pain' (39, SD = 20.5). From the QLQ-BR23, the mean score for functioning scale was highest for ‘Sexual Pleasure' (88.33; SD = 21.9) while the mean score in the symptom scale was highest for ‘upset by hair loss' (56; SD = 15.2). The global health Status was significantly associated with professional category; health condition; age and type of treatment. Conclusions The results of the present study demonstrated the importance of a global therapeutic management that specifically targets the physical and psychological needs of breast cancer survivors. Improving doctor-patient communication has a central role during clinical approach to ensure the success of diagnostic and treatment strategies. Key messages Importance of a global therapeutic management tha target the quality of Life of cancer patients. Improving doctor-patient communication has a central role during clinical approach to ensure the success of diagnostic and treatment strategies.