Abstract P6-11-15: Comparison of QoL according to treatment received. First cohort study in Mexico
Authors: Medina JM , Gonzalez AB , Rivera F , Serrano R , Machado MM , García M 
Published: February 2018

Background: In México, there are more than 57 million women with breast cancer, and more than 7 million of these patients live in Mexico State; 12.4% of breast cancer diagnosis are being made in here. The diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer changes their quality of life (QOL) on a physical, psychological, social and sexual basis.

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to examine the changes in the QOL of breast cancer patients treated at the State of Mexico Cancer Center (ISSEMyM), applying the EORT QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23. The secondary aim of the study is to describe the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), including partner relationships, sexual function, and body image concerns of breast cancer survivors. (BCS).

Design: A longitudinal, prospective, descriptive and analytical cohort study was made; with bivariate analysis and correlations search. We used Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normal continuous variables. To evaluate changes in follow-up we use ANOVA test of repeated measures and post-hoc analysis. Significance was set at p &lt;0.05

Method: QOL questionnaires were applied every 4 months followed for a year, the first one being done before the patient was informed of confirmed breast cancer diagnosis. A sample of 112 women with primary breast cancer were enrolled. The sample type is probability, non-confessional, consecutive cases.

Results: Primary cancer treatment has a negative impact on QOL comparing to data collected at the basal assessment (before confirmatory diagnosis of cancer). Average age 54 years (25-85). FIGO stage in situ in 5%, Ia, IIa and IIb 18%, IIIa 8%, IIIb 6%, IIIc 12% and IV 15%. LuminalA 40%, LuminalB 24%, Her2 15%, Triple negative 21%. The mean overall health score was 64.7±26.7 at baseline and 65.8±19.3, 65.3±19.6, 72.1±15.1 at 4.8 and 12 months, respectively. Physical, emotional, cognitive, sexual and social functioning, as well as symptoms and sexual pleasure present statistical significance (p.0000) regardless of age, stage or treatment received.

Conclusions: This is the first longitudinal, prospective, descriptive and analytical cohort made in Mexico that assesses changes in QOL of breast cancer patients. There is a significant decrease in post-surgery physical function in our patients. However, there is no significant difference between the results observed in patients undergoing conservative surgery versus those who received radical surgery, nor for patients receiving surgery plus radiation therapy versus surgery plus systemic therapy. Also in the body image category component in our study, an important decrease in the QOL of the patients undergoing surgery is demonstrated, this is more evident in early stages of disease. In patients who recieved chemotherapy, symptoms were a negative influence in QOL and just near a half came to a basal status a year after treatment started. Finally, patients with surgery as first treatment have a faster return to their basal QOL.

This work opens an invaluable opportunity to improve our medical behavior towards breast cancer patients, treated at the ISSEMyM State of Mexico Cancer Center. It obliges us to create a multidisciplinary team that permanently assesses patients, identifying the aspects of their daily work, which alter their QOL.

Citation Format: Medina JM, Gonzalez AB, Rivera F, Serrano R, Machado MM, García M. Comparison of QoL according to treatment received. First cohort study in Mexico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-11-15.