Quality of life and issues related to body image and intimacy in breast cancer survivors

Background: Oncological treatments affect the quality of life (QoL), even in the survivorship period. More specifically, extended hormonotherapy is associated with a significant burden of adverse effects. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine breast cancer survivors’ QoL and the impact of extended hormonotherapy. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional design was used in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through the self-reported Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (FACT-B) with women two or more years posttreatment and between 18 and 75 years. Statistical Analysis Used: In addition to descriptive statistics, the mean subscale score was analyzed across participants’ variables using analyses of variance and independent sample t -tests. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were employed to assess combined and individual associations with QoL scores. Results: Three hundred and thirty-six women with a mean age of 51.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 10) participated. 43.8% were working posttreatment compared to 45.2% before. 14.3% were taking medication to address anxiety, sleep, or mood issues. The overall QoL score was 107 (SD = 2.4). The lowest score was on the Emotional Well-being Scale. Results indicate an overall good QoL; however, pain, fatigue, anxiety, fear of recurrence, issues with body image, and intimacy were reported by a significant number. Extended hormonal therapy did not affect the results. Conclusions: There is a growing number of survivors in need of a better understanding and management of the consequences associated with the disease and its treatment. Cultural factors are to be taken into consideration.