Quality of life of patients one year after breast conserving surgery versus modified radical mastectomy for early breast cancer: a Kenya tertiary hospital five-year review

Abstract

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy (BCT) and Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) are the most common surgical techniques utilized in treatment of early breast cancer (EBC) with similar overall survival and recurrence rates. Western literature suggests that these treatments impact the quality of life (QOL) of patients variably. There are no comparison studies on these treatments as per patient’s QOL in East Africa. The objectives were to compare the QOL of patients with EBC at least one year after BCT or MRM and assess the factors that affect this QOL.