Influence of breast cancer on life satisfaction in the elderly patient

Purpose

Due to increasing life expectancy and demographic trends in recent years, the specific needs of elderly patients have gained more and more attendance. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on health-related life satisfaction of elderly breast cancer patients while considering the conditions of comorbidities and global health status.

Methods

All breast cancer patients over 60 years who had been treated at the Breast Center of the University Hospital of Munich, Germany between 2010 and 2013 were eligible for participation. Life satisfaction was assessed on the basis of validated questionnaires, with a self-developed questionnaire we assessed issues of the patients general health status and for the geriatric assessment.

Results

Our research included data of 276 patients. Compared to a normal German population, our cohort reported significantly higher life satisfaction regardless of treatment with chemotherapy. Regardless of the type of therapy, the following factors are associated with a lower life health-related satisfaction: low educational level, obesity, high Charlson Comorbidity Index (CI) and low Barthel Index (BI) as well as polymedication. Obesity and the presence of comorbidities were significantly associated with reduced health-related life satisfaction.

Conclusion

This cross-sectional, retrospective analysis indicates, that chemotherapy does not impact the patients´ life satisfaction. BI and CCI as well as obesity, polymedication and level of education are significantly associated with a lower satisfaction. These data should be taken into account in the decision-making process to improve the medical care and support of elderly breast cancer patients.