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Impact of Time to Initiation of Treatment on the Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer

Author

Listed:
  • Magdalena Konieczny

    (Medical Institute, The Jan Grodek State University in Sanok, 38-500 Sanok, Poland)

  • Elżbieta Cipora

    (Medical Institute, The Jan Grodek State University in Sanok, 38-500 Sanok, Poland)

  • Wojciech Roczniak

    (Medical Institute, The Jan Grodek State University in Sanok, 38-500 Sanok, Poland)

  • Magdalena Babuśka-Roczniak

    (Medical Institute, The Jan Grodek State University in Sanok, 38-500 Sanok, Poland)

  • Marek Wojtaszek

    (Medical Institute, The Jan Grodek State University in Sanok, 38-500 Sanok, Poland)

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Due to the large number of women living with breast cancer and the increasing incidence of this cancer, it is very important to understand the factors determining the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of time to initiation of treatment on the quality of life of women with breast cancer. Materials and methods. The study involved 324 women with breast cancer, treated at the Podkarpackie Oncology Centre in Brzozów, Poland. The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey, using a standardised questionnaire to measure the quality of life of women treated for breast cancer, i.e., the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-BR23 module, as well as a proprietary survey questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10.0 software (StatSoft Inc., 2011). A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The examined women had a reduced overall quality of life and health (M = 53.88). The quality of life was higher in women who consulted a doctor the earliest after noticing initial symptoms of the disease, i.e., up to one week (M = 57.58), compared to patients who delayed the decision (over four weeks; M = 47.8) ( p = 0.002). The quality of life was also considered higher by women who received treatment within two weeks of diagnosis (M = 56.79) and was lower for patients who waited for treatment for more than two months (M = 43.68). Statistically significant relationships were demonstrated for functional scales and disease intensity. Conclusions: Women diagnosed with breast cancer had a considerably lower overall quality of life. A relatively higher quality of life was experienced by patients who consulted a doctor the earliest after discovering symptoms of the disease and those whose waiting time for treatment was shorter. In a systematic manner, the individual stages of diagnosis should be maximally reduced and breast cancer treatment initiated without delay.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Konieczny & Elżbieta Cipora & Wojciech Roczniak & Magdalena Babuśka-Roczniak & Marek Wojtaszek, 2020. "Impact of Time to Initiation of Treatment on the Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8325-:d:442980
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bei Yan & Li-Ming Yang & Li-Peng Hao & Chen Yang & Lei Quan & Li-Hong Wang & Zheng Wu & Xiao-Pan Li & Yu-Tang Gao & Qiao Sun & Jian-Min Yuan, 2016. "Determinants of Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients in Shanghai, China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(4), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Päivi Salonen & Pirkko‐Liisa Kellokumpu‐Lehtinen & Marja‐Terttu Tarkka & Anna‐Maija Koivisto & Marja Kaunonen, 2011. "Changes in quality of life in patients with breast cancer," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(1‐2), pages 255-266, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Magdalena Konieczny & Elżbieta Cipora & Jolanta Sawicka & Andrzej Fal, 2021. "Patient Satisfaction with Oncological Care during the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-15, April.

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