Quality of life among advanced breast cancer patients with and without distant metastasis. Issue 2 (18th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wyatt, G.; Sikorskii, A.; Tamkus, D.; You, M.
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer care. Volume 22:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2012-12-18
• Subjects: Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-5423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Quality of life among advanced breast cancer patients with and without distant metastasis</title> <p>This study presents the results of a secondary analysis of data collected during a trial of reflexology that aimed to improve health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among women with advanced breast cancer in treatment. A comparison of HRQOL (functioning, symptoms, spirituality) of those with (<italic>n</italic> = 298) and without (<italic>n</italic> = 87) distant metastasis is presented. Following the intake interview, 385 women were randomised to reflexology, lay foot manipulation or conventional care control, and were interviewed again at weeks 5 and 11. Those with distant metastasis were older, had fewer comorbid conditions, and a smaller proportion were employed. Longitudinal analysis of HRQOL at intake, 5 and 11 weeks revealed that those with distant metastasis had lower functioning and more pain; however, no differences were found on fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, sleep quality, anxiety, depressive symptoms or spirituality. Despite advanced disease, 56% of all women in this study were below the clinical screening cut‐off for depressive symptoms. These findings may indicate that patients with advanced breast cancer have adapted emotionally and spiritually; however, the management of physical symptoms remains a priority.</p> </abstract>