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Quality-of-life: A study on patients of carcinoma breast and its pitfalls in Indian society

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Indian Journal of Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Traditionally outcomes of treatment have been limited to survival. However, the disease and its treatment may have an impact on Quality-of- Life (QoL). The major concerns for patients of carcinoma breast involved are survival, appearance and a fear of recurrence. In Indian society we may need a separate and modified approach to assess QoL.

Aims & objective

The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of patients of carcinoma breast and to ascertaining pitfalls for suitable correction in future studies on Indian patients.

Materials & methods

250 diagnosed patients of carcinoma breast were studied by a questionnaire on physical and psychological parameters. The results were assessed for applicability to our clientele.

Results

We found that majority of patients enjoy a good and non-capacitating QoL. Factors that may contribute to poorer health perceptions and QoL include experiencing a menopausal transition as part of therapy, and feeling more vulnerable after cancer. Overall QoL was better in the older and illiterate patients. Patients with no co morbidity and early stage disease fared better against patients with co morbidities and advanced stage of malignancy.

The parameters used in QoL studies in west may not be directly applicable to Indian patients but it does give us a start. We need to adapt to these parameters and draw our conclusion. But there are many methodological challenges inherent in working with our population. Researchers interested in studying our clientele’s QoL need to be cognizant of certain issues to ensure high quality results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India

    A. K. Shah

  2. Department of Oncosurgery, Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, India

    L. S. Vohra

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  1. A. K. Shah
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  2. L. S. Vohra
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Correspondence to A. K. Shah.

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Shah, A.K., Vohra, L.S. Quality-of-life: A study on patients of carcinoma breast and its pitfalls in Indian society. Indian J Surg 72, 107–111 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-010-0033-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-010-0033-4

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