Objective
This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life of women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Methods
A cross-sectional study carried out in a specialized institution, comprising 145 women. Two standardized questionnaires for health-related quality translated and validated for the Portuguese language were used. The scores manual of the EORTC was used to calculate the domain scores of the questionnaires.
Results
According to the first questionnaire, the emotional function was the most affected. The treatment causes financial difficulties for most patients (mean = 41.83). The symptoms with the highest scores were Insomnia (37.93), Fatigue (36.01) and Loss of Appetite (33.56). According to the Quality of Life Questionnaire − Breast Cancer 23, the mean score for Side effects was 50.07, meaning that many women experience side effects of chemotherapy, and impaired sexual satisfaction.
Conclusion
Women with breast cancer showed changes in the following domains: financial, emotional, sexual satisfaction and future prospects. The most frequently mentioned symptoms were fatigue, insomnia and loss of appetite.
Breast neoplasms/drug therapy; Quality of life; Oncology nursing; Woman health