EORTC QLQ-BR45-based assessment of quality of life in breast cancer survivors: A comprehensive study.

Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Due to advancements in early detection and treatment, the number of survivors has increased, yet they often face ongoing physical and psychological challenges. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer survivors in India, using the EORTC QLQ BR45 questionnaire along with its core questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ C30. The research will examine physical, psychological, social, and spiritual QoL aspects, aiming to identify areas for targeted interventions to improve survivors' QoL. Material and Methods: For the study, Breast cancer patients who had received Adjuvant radiotherapy at our center between 2020 and 2021 were selected. Since the EORTC QLQ BR45 has only been officially validated in English so far, patients who could read and understand English were selected for the study. Thus, a total of 40 subjects were selected. The questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR45) were completed by the patients, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: The mean score of the QLQ C30 Questionnaire global health status was 58.33 ± 15.38, the functional scale was 65.58 ± 19.44, and the symptom scale was 22.83 ± 11.37. Using the EORTC QLQ BR45 Questionnaire, among the functional scales, high mean scores were observed for body image (93.54 ± 9.3), future perspective (86.66 ± 25.9), and sexual functioning (90.41 ± 16.4). Among the symptom scales, low mean scores for systemic therapy side effects (9.04 ± 12.4), arm symptoms (15.55 ± 18.2), breast symptoms (8.12 ± 10.7), endocrine therapy symptoms (7.75 ± 7.7), skin mucosis symptoms (3.88 ± 7.4), and endocrine sexual symptoms (5.41 ± 7.6). Sociodemographic factors such as age, obesity, menstrual status, and presence of addictions, as well as clinicopathological factors such as stage of disease, nodal involvement, type of surgery, and receipt of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), are determinants of QoL in breast cancer survivors. Conclusion: This study describes QoL in breast cancer survivors who may experience a relatively high QoL. The QLQ BR45 symptom scale scores were low in our study patients, but the low functional domain scores were of concern and could rightly be targeted as areas of urgent intervention. QoL studies are essential, as they equip clinicians and patients with the data needed to make an informed decision about the modality best suited for them.