Original Article

Assessment on the Quality Of Life of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Treatment in Ghana

Kofi Adesi Kyei, Siaw Doris Oppong, Samuel Yaw Opoku, William K. Antwi and Samuel Tagoe
World Journal of Psycho-Social Oncology 2014, 3:2

Abstract

Objective

the primary aim of the study was to assess factors that contribute to the quality of life of breast cancer patient undergoing treatment to determine the overall quality of life and to suggest ways and methods to improve the situation.

Method

Ninety breast cancer patients referred to the Oncology Unit were conveniently sampled within a three month period. Quality of life assessment was performed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-B) - Specific Scale for breast cancer version 4. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.

Results

The peak incidence age was between (56-65) years, 60% had triple modality treatment; thus had undergone surgery and were on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Seventeen percent had surgery and were on chemotherapy only, 10% had surgery and were on radiotherapy only, 10% had surgery and only one patient was on chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The scores for the quality of life domains were General Emotional (GE) well-being (18.8±8.4), General Physical (GP) well-being (16.5±6.1), General Social (GS) well-being (14.3±7.0) and General Functional (GF) well-being (10.9±5.7). Seventy percent of the patient had stable quality of life, 10% had poor quality of life and 20% had good quality of life.

Conclusion

Considering the quality of life domains or subscale scores and the overall quality of life scores of the patients, it can be concluded that there is no significant difference (p>0.05) in the quality of life of breast cancer patients who receive treatment at the Unit.

Key words

Treatment modalities, Quality of life Subscale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy.

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