A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF SELF-REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER TREATMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PALESTINE
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Date
2025-01-16
Authors
Breek, Karin
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in terms of incidence. This study aimed to determine the side effects of breast cancer treatment reported by Palestinians with breast cancer and their quality of life.
Methods: This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. The study was undertaken in Nablus. The data collection instrument was divided into two distinctive sections. Part (A) collected data covering sex, age at diagnosis, clinical symptoms, complications, treatment measures, and side effects of the treatments. While part (B) of the questionnaire involved the quality-of-life assessment tool, the current study employed the WHOQOL-BREF (Arabic version) as an assessment tool.
Results: A total of 258 patients with breast cancer participated in this study. In addition to breast cancer, 207 (80.2%) patients had one or more comorbid conditions. Of the patients, 153 (59.3%) were diagnosed less than 3 years ago. With respect to disease stage, 147 (57%) patients were in Stage I, 51 (19.8%) patients were in Stage II, 54 (20.9%) patients were in Stage III, and 6 (2.3%) patients were in Stage IV. Among the patients, 207 (80.2%) received chemotherapy, 159 (61.6%) underwent lumpectomy, 156 (60.5%) received radiotherapy, and 102 (39.5%) underwent mastectomy. When screened for the adverse effects of breast cancer treatments, the patients reported adverse effects and health issues that were categorized as follows: pain, gastrointestinal, skin and hair, health issues; pain, sleep and mental health, and respiratory/mouth and throat, hematologic, genitourinary, sensory, and general health issues. Multiple linear regression showed that the overall scores were negatively associated with having comorbidities, having advanced-stage breast cancer, receiving mastectomy, and experiencing headaches, vomiting, depression, anxiety, mood swings, mouth and throat sores (mucositis), fever, and insomnia.
Conclusions: The findings of this study highlighted the heavy burden of disease and therapy-related adverse effects on the quality of life of patients with breast cancer who received treatment in Palestine. A multidisciplinary holistic care plan for breast cancer patients who integrates physical and mental health support is urgently needed to improve the quality of life of these patients.