Quality of life and sociodemographic and clinical profile of breast and prostate cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: to assess the association between health-related quality of life and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of breast and prostate cancer patients. Methods: a cross-sectional study of 305 patients was performed. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30, the Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer, and a structured instrument were used. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results: the study revealed a prevalence of patients aged 50-69 years, married, with 13 or more years of education, retired, with an income of up to two minimum wages, and receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer. Significant associations were observed between the Global Health Scale and gender and marital status, the Functional Scale and age group and family income, the Symptom Scale and gender, age group, cancer type, and current treatment, and between the Global Health Scale and cancer type, current treatment, treatment duration, lack of companion, and number of comorbidities. Conclusions: health-related quality of life in breast and prostate cancer patients is negatively influenced by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Contributions to practice: the data provide insights for designing individualized care plans.