Assessment of Health Related Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ BR-23 among Breast Cancer Patients in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Pakistan has the highest rate of breast cancer among all other Asian countries.Late presentation of breast cancer negatively impact health related quality of life among patients. Objective: The present study was designed to assess health related quality of life using EORTC QLQ-BR23 among patients of breast cancer in Pakistan. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to assess health related quality of life among 382 breast cancer patients using EORTC QLQ-BR23. Data was collected and statistically analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: The results highlighted that the lowest scores for HRQoL were observed in the domain of functional scale i.e. sexual enjoyment (7.18, ±16.84) while highest scores were observed in the domains of body image (55.82, ±29.07) followed by systemic therapy side effects (50.88, ±18.47). Conclusion: The current study concluded poor HRQoL with a negative impact on its all domains among breast cancer patients in Pakistan. Lowest scores for HRQoL were observed in the domain of functional scale i.e. sexual enjoyment and sexual functioning while, highest scores were observed in the domains of body image followed by systemic therapy side effects.