Body image concern, quality of life, and psychological reaction among breast cancer patients: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital of Western India

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer causes a wide range of physical and psychological issues. Breast cancer treatment affects woman's body image and sexuality which can impact psychological well-being and quality of life (QOL). Aims: This study aimed to assess body image concern among breast cancer patients and to compare it with healthy women and to assess QOL and psychological reaction among breast cancer patients. Settings and Design: This was a comparative cross-sectional study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital on breast cancer patients compared to age-matched healthy women taken as controls. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, Body Image Scale, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast Cancer-Specific QOL Questionnaire, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed with Epi Info 7. Mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and percentages and Chi-square test for categorical variables were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Breast cancer patients were having high body image concern as compared to healthy women. On QOL assessment, scores of body image and future perspective were comparatively low-low level of functioning and scores were high for breast symptoms and hair loss-high level of symptomatology. More patients had significant anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Breast cancer patients were having high body image concern and poor QOL as compared to age-matched healthy women, associated with significant depression and anxiety.