Breast Cancer: Quality of Life Tracks Health Status
A total of 83% of the women were estrogen receptor positive, while 62% were lymph node negative.
Among the initial findings were that in general, better quality of life was seen in women whose body mass index was low, who exercised, and used alcohol in moderation.
Improved quality of life also was reported by women who felt they had practical and emotional support.
Analysis of the early data from the EORTC questionnaires showed that, at 1 year after diagnosis, age, lymph node status, and treatment all influenced quality of life.
Numerous studies have shown a relationship between coping strategies and quality of life (QOL) among women with breast cancer.
In a study published in the online edition of Journal of Behavioral Medicine, an investigation of coping strategies and quality of life among younger women with breast cancer suggests that QOL determines the use of coping strategies.
“It is generally assumed that coping strategies impact quality of life, with more active coping strategies generally associated with better QOL,” said Suzanne C. Danhauer, Ph.D, assistant professor at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and lead investigator of these analyses.
This investigation was part of a study focused on younger women with breast cancer conducted by co-author and Principal Investigator Nancy E. Avis, Ph.D. The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute.
“This research examined coping strategies over time and the reciprocal relationship between coping strategies and QOL among younger women with breast cancer to see if the opposite might be true — that QOL determines the use of coping strategies,” said Danhauer.
Studies have consistently shown that younger women report greater psychological distress following breast cancer diagnosis than older women. Several investigations have also found that younger women with breast cancer report significantly worse QOL than older women, particularly in emotional and social domains.
“There was a linear trend for age rather than a specific age cutoff relating to an improved quality of life,” Swann said in an interview.
“Also, patients who were lymph node negative and who had not undergone chemotherapy seemed to have a better quality of life,” she said.
The researchers are also interested in the genetic aspects of breast cancer, and how this might be modified by diet and lifestyle.
Quality of life after breast cancer treatment
Women who have had treatment for breast cancer should know that they can have a normal quality of life after treatment is over. Many studies have proven this. But women who have had chemo may notice a slight decrease in certain areas of function.
Some studies suggest that younger women tend to have more problems with the stresses of breast cancer and its treatment. Some feel isolated. Also, chemotherapy (chemo) may cause early menopause which needs to be managed. There may be sexual problems, too. These women might benefit from counseling and support groups directed at younger breast cancer survivors.
They hope to have their preliminary analysis ready for presentation next year.
The study was supported by the National Cancer Research Network and the charity Against Breast Cancer.
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
Primary source: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Conference
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Source reference: Swann R, et al “The DietCompLyf study: a prospective longitudinal study of breast cancer survival” EORTC 2012.
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