Authors : Rhythm , Nirav Asarawala, Barna Ganguly
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijpp.2019.011
Volume : 6
Issue : 2
Year : 2019
Page No : 45-51
Context: Long term use of anti-hormonal therapy in breast cancers is effective for extending long term survival rates but simultaneously can lead to various side effects affecting quality of life.
Aims: Aim of this study was to assess the utilization of hormonal treatment in patients suffering from breast cancer with specific objective of reviewing their quality of life with relation to side effects.
Settings and Design: This was an OPD based cross sectional study, conducted in Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad.
Methods and Materials: Prior permission from institutional ethics committee was taken. Utilization part of the study was a record based study, from the case files available in record section of cancer OPD. For quality of life part of the study, written informed consent was taken from the participants and were interviewed according to quality of life questionnaires.
Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed as per descriptive statistics and results were presented in form of percentage and range. Mean scores for various quality of life subscales were calculated using EORTC scoring manual.
Results: Out of total 38 patients of breast cancer, 26(68.42%) patients were on treatment with letrozole, 12(31.57%) were on tamoxifen. We found better role functioning and cognitive functioning subscales in breast cancer patients of tamoxifen group as reflected in the highest mean score of 93.74 in functional scale. Mean sexual functioning scores in both letrozole and tamoxifen groups were on lower side. Percentage of patients experiencing systemic therapy side effect (dry mouth, hot flushes, hair loss, headache, dysgeusia) were found to be more in tamoxifen group.
Conclusions: Overall, the parameters of quality of life in breast cancer patients on hormonal therapy, were found to be in better side, except for sexual functioning scores which were on lower side.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Hormonal therapy, Quality of life.