Factors Influencing Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients Following Immediate Breast Reconstruction

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction. @*Methods@#A total of 113 patients were enrolled. Patients' operative satisfaction and QoL were measured using satisfaction with breast and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Breast-Cancer-Specific Quality of Life questionnaires. @*Results@#The mean operative satisfaction was 54.41±15.57 out of 100. For QoL, the mean functional score was 45.25±20.10 and the symptom score was 25.26±15.79. Significant correlation was seen between operative satisfaction and functional QoL (r=.47, p<.001), and between operative satisfaction and symptom QoL (r=−.35, p<.001). The operative satisfaction and method of reconstruction were identified as influencing factors for functional QoL with explanatory power of 34.1%. The operative satisfaction, method of reconstruction, marital status and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were identified as influencing factors for symptom QoL with explanatory power of 28.6%. @*Conclusion@#The results confirmed operative satisfaction and QoL among breast cancer patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction, and the factors influencing their QoL. The results of this study are expected to help towards the decision making of patients under consideration for immediate breast reconstruction.