Spontaneous evolution of the quality of life of patients treated for breast cancer within three years after the end of treatments

Objective

This article gives a description of the spontaneous evolution of organic parameters, quality of life and return to work of young patients treated for a breast cancer requiring an adjuvant chemotherapy.

Material and methods

A prospective study of post-breast cancer rehabilitation for a working population of patients was organized in a single town in France. The inclusion criteria allowed to recruit patients immediately after their diagnosis up to three years after the end of their chemotherapy. VO₂max, pain level, sleep quality, WHO performance status, abdominal obesity, level of physical activity, fatigability score, quality of life and metabolic parameters where registered at study entrance as base line data.

Results

These data described the state of this population at variable temporal distance from the treatment within three years’ post-breast cancer before any rehabilitation action, thus describing the spontaneous evolution of this population. There has been an overall progressive improvement in the quality of life along with the spontaneous return to working activities. However, the physical status shows a lasting alteration, even after two years after treatment.

Conclusion

This rather lasting disability justify an offer of rehabilitation cares immediately after the exit of initial treatment phase but also during the years following this exit.