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Background <p>Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with rising incidence in developing countries like Sri Lanka. While advancements in treatment have improved survival rates, the post-treatment Quality of Life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors remains a critical concern. This study evaluates the QOL among Sri Lankan women with breast cancer and its association with treatment modalities.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 women who had undergone primary breast cancer surgery with a curative intent at least 12 months prior. Participants were recruited from the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, between 2020 and 2022. Validated Sinhala and Tamil translations of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were used to assess QOL. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the Cancer Sri Lanka Database. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.</p> Results <p>The mean global health score was 62.6 (SD = 23.4). Functional scores for physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social domains were satisfactory, while sexual functioning and enjoyment scores were notably low (14.5 and 18.9, respectively). Fatigue, pain, insomnia, and financial difficulties were the most prominent concerns. Radiotherapy was associated with significantly lower global health scores (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), and chemotherapy was linked to a more negative future perspective (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01). No significant associations were found between QOL scores and the type of breast or axillary surgery.</p> Conclusion <p>Sri Lankan women with treated breast cancer generally report good QOL comparable to global standards. However, sexual health remains a significant concern, particularly among older women. Fatigue, pain, and financial difficulties are notable concerns. Radiotherapy was associated with lower global health scores, while chemotherapy was observed to be associated with a more pessimistic future outlook. Addressing sexual health and financial burdens, particularly for younger patients, is essential. Future research should employ updated assessment tools and consider sociocultural factors to better understand treatment-related QOL in this population.</p>

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Quality of life following completion of surgery and chemoradiation among Sri Lankan women with breast cancer

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月13日

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  • Harshana Wijayalathge,
  • Karieshinie Peiris,
  • Umesh Jayarajah,
  • Sanjeeva Gunasekara,
  • Don Thiwanka Wijeratne,
  • Christopher Booth,
  • Sanjeewa Seneviratne

摘要

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with rising incidence in developing countries like Sri Lanka. While advancements in treatment have improved survival rates, the post-treatment Quality of Life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors remains a critical concern. This study evaluates the QOL among Sri Lankan women with breast cancer and its association with treatment modalities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 women who had undergone primary breast cancer surgery with a curative intent at least 12 months prior. Participants were recruited from the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, between 2020 and 2022. Validated Sinhala and Tamil translations of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were used to assess QOL. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the Cancer Sri Lanka Database. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

Results

The mean global health score was 62.6 (SD = 23.4). Functional scores for physical, role, emotional, cognitive, and social domains were satisfactory, while sexual functioning and enjoyment scores were notably low (14.5 and 18.9, respectively). Fatigue, pain, insomnia, and financial difficulties were the most prominent concerns. Radiotherapy was associated with significantly lower global health scores (p < 0.05), and chemotherapy was linked to a more negative future perspective (p < 0.01). No significant associations were found between QOL scores and the type of breast or axillary surgery.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan women with treated breast cancer generally report good QOL comparable to global standards. However, sexual health remains a significant concern, particularly among older women. Fatigue, pain, and financial difficulties are notable concerns. Radiotherapy was associated with lower global health scores, while chemotherapy was observed to be associated with a more pessimistic future outlook. Addressing sexual health and financial burdens, particularly for younger patients, is essential. Future research should employ updated assessment tools and consider sociocultural factors to better understand treatment-related QOL in this population.