Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Women after Mastectomy

Abstract

Purpose The most frequent cancer among women in Poland and worldwide is breast cancer. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of women's life after unilateral and bilateral breast amputation. Research process The study included 47 women - 24 women after bilateral amputation and 23 unilateral amputees. Two questionnaires were used: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer - Quality of Life Questionnaire: general and breast cancer module to measure the quality of life of patients treated for cancer. Results From among the assessed areas of quality of life, the sphere of emotional functioning was significantly disturbed. The passage of time improved the quality of life of the surveyed women. Thanks to early detection and treatment survival time is extended, however the disease becomes a chronic disorder affecting the psychosomatic sphere that changes the quality of life of these women.

Keywords

• rehabilitation
• mastectomy
• breast cancer
• quality of life
• mental health
• social function