الفهرس 
Breast cancerOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The etiology of breast cancer is not fully understood. A variety of interrelated factors, such as genetics, hormones, the environment, sociobiology and physiology can influence its development. Although breast cancer cannot be prevented, the risks of developing breast cancer can be minimized through specific preventive activities in lifestyle, diet, overall physical characteristics and obesity, and interventions for women at high risk of developing breast cancer using tamoxifen and other anti-estrogen compounds (Davies, Pan, Godwin, Gray & Arriagad, 2013).
Quality of life (QOL) is a multi-dimensional concept that includes domains related to physical, mental, emotional, and social functioning. It goes beyond direct measures of population health, life expectancy, and causes of death, and focuses on the impact health status has on quality of life. Quality of life is determined by several definations,it can be the extent to which hopes and ambitions are matched by experience or individuals’ perceptions of their position in life taken in the context of the culture and value systems where they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns, also appraisal of one’s current state against some ideal or the things people regard as important in their lives (Bennadi & Reddy, 2013).
Aim of the study
The present study was conducted to assess quality of life (QOL) for patients with breast cancer through the following:
• Assessment of quality of life among patients with breast cancer using EORTC QLQ-C30.
• Assessment of quality of life for patients with breast cancer using EORTC BR23.
Research question:
What is the quality of life of patients with breast cancer?
Methodology
Research design
A descriptive exploratory design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study.
Setting
The study was conducted in Medical Nuclear Centre, Ain Shams University, Out-Patient Department.
Subjects:
Sample Size: A purposive sample composed of 100 patients with breast cancer were sellected to be included in the study.
Inclusion criteria: Conscious female, adult with breast cancer disease, three months post starting of chemotherapy treatment.
Exclusion criteria: terminal stage and mortality problem.
Tools of data collection:
The data for this study were collected by using three tools:
Tool I: Socio Demographic Interviewing Questionnaire for patients with breast cancer; It includes data related to socio demografic characteristics such as, age, gender, marital status, housing, income,etc
Tool II: - European Organization For Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 Instrument (EORTC QLQ-C30) (1995); This tool is used for assessing quality of life of patients with breast cancer. It is a standardized tool adopted from the EORTC QLQ-C30.
Tool III:- European Organization For Research and Treatment of Cancer BR23 Instrument (EORTC BR23) (1994); It is a standardized tool adopted from the EORTC.
Results:
• The mean age of patients was 52 ±7.1 years. (63%) of them were married. Also, (42%, 48% & 64%) of studied patients had secondary school educational level, employed before illness and were living with 4-6 individuals in the same dwelling, respectively. In addition, (56% & 51%) of them were urban and lived in their home, respectively. (56%) of studied patients’ monthly income in egyptian pounds was (1800-<3600). While, (54%) of studied patients’ monthly income was insufficient to cover the costs of treatment. In addition, (60%(of them were a part time job. Also, (53%) of them were non-smoker.
• Average mean score of global health status of EROTC QLQ C-30 for studied patients was 47.89.
• The highest mean score of functional scales of EROTC QLQ C-30 for studied patients was related to social functioning (86.50±20.38). In addition, the lowest mean score of functional scales for studied patients was related to physical functioning (45.96±18.61).
• The average highest two mean score of symptoms scales of EROTC QLQ C-30 for studied patients were related to constipation and fatigue (69.83± 12.75& 69.39±25.87). In addition, the average lowest mean score of symptoms scales for studied patients was related to diarrhea (04.77±11.10).
• The average mean score of total global health, functional scales and symptoms scales of EROTC QLQ C-30 for studied patients were (47.89±11.32, 64.63±17.39 & 38.64±19.61), respectively.
• The average highest mean score of functional scales of QLQ-BR23 for studied patients was related to body image (66.39±17.42). In addition, the average lowest mean score of functional scales for studied patients was related to future perspective (01.00).
• The average highest mean score of symptoms scales of QLQ-BR23 for studied patients was related to upset by hair loss (100.00± 00.00). In addition, the lowest mean score of symptoms scales for studied patients was related to breast symptoms (45.14±10.51).
• The average mean score of functional scales and symptoms scales of QLQ-BR23 for studied patients were (44.66±30.49 & 63,99±24.99), respectively.
• There was statistically significant relation between EROTC QLQ C-30 total global health of life of studied patients and age, residence, previous job (before illness) and smoking.
• There was statistically significant relation between EROTC QLQ C-30 functional scales of life of studied patients and age, marital status, type of housing and smoking.
• There was statistically significant relation between EROTC QLQ C-30 symptom scales of life of studied patients and age, type of housing and smoking.
• There was statistically significant relation between EROTC QLQ-BR23 functional scales of life of studied patients and age, residence, previous job (before illness) and smoking.
• There was statistically significant relation between EROTC QLQ-BR23 symptom scales of life of studied patients and age.