IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE QOL OF WOMEN AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract

Relevance: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common oncological diseases among women, and its physical, psychoemotional, social, and sexual consequences negatively affect pa-tients’ quality of life (QoL). A decrease in QoL in the post-treatment period may hinder full rehabilitation. Therefore, studying the sociodemographic and clinical factors affecting QoL in women with BC remains relevant. 

The study aimed to identify the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the quality of life of women after breast cancer treatment. 

Methods: The study was conducted at the West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University Medical Center. Participants completed the EORTC QLQ-BR23 standardized questionnaire. A total of 103 women took part in the study. In addition to the questionnaire, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. 

Results: Single women (p = 0.022) and those who detected the disease independently (p = 0.030) reported significantly lower QoL. Employed women (p = 0.040) and those who underwent breast-conserving extended sectoral resection (BCESR) (p = 0.013) rated their body image and confidence in the future higher (p = 0.041). Unemployed and moderately educated women had significantly lower scores in sexual function and future outlook (p < 0.05). Pensioners more frequently experienced arm symptoms (p = 0.003), while increased hair loss was noted after BCESR (p = 0.030). 

Conclusion: The findings reveal that multiple factors influence the QoL of women with BC. Socioeconomic status, type of surgery, and psycho-emotional support are key determinants of QoL. These results may provide a scientific basis for enhancing rehabilitation programs.