Objective To identify the perception of pain among breast cancer patients and their quality of life, and to assess the influence of pain on their quality of life. Methods We did a cross-sectional study. A face-to-face survey was administered to 200 breast cancer patients, using two scales: Chinese Cancer Pain Assessment Tool (CCPAT) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (Version 3) [EORTIC QLQ-C30]. Results Among the 200 breast cancer patients, 84 suffered from pain, while 116 did not. In regard to quality of life, the scores of physical function, role function and social function were higher among women without pain than among those in the pain group (Plt;0.05). There were no significant differences in scores of emotional function, cognitive function and global quality of life between the two groups (Pgt;0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between pain and quality of life in the pain group, the non-pain group and the whole sample (r=–0.731, Plt;0.001). Conclusion Pain has negative effects on physical function, role function and social function of breast cancer patients. The exacerbation of pain is associated with a decreased global quality of life for breast cancer patients.
Objective To identify the correlative symptoms of breast cancer patients and their influence on quality of life. Methods The cross-sectional study was used. A face-to-face survey was administered to 200 breast cancer patients, using two scales: ① Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale(MSA); ② European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (Version 3) [EORTIC QLQ-C30]. Results The top five most highly prevalent symptoms were: lack of energy, hair loss, nervousness, sweating and worry. The five most frequent symptoms were: lack of energy, difficulty in sleeping, dry mouth, lack of appetite and sweating. The five most severe symptoms were: hair loss, lack of energy, difficulty in sleeping, nervousness and a change in food preference. The top five symptoms causing much distress were: hair loss, a feeling of“I don’t look like myself”, difficulty in sleeping, lack of appetite and lack of energy. The major factors influencing quality of life were: lack of energy, worry, pain, difficulty in sleeping, constipation, irritability, dry mouth, sweating, numbness/tingling in hands/feet, changes in skin, diarrhea, nausea, lack of appetite, and shortness of breath. Adjusted R square was 0.790. Conclusions The most conspicuous symptom in breast cancer patients is lack of energy. The symptom that distresses patients most is hair loss. The other notable symptoms are: “I don’t look like myself”, difficulty in sleeping, and lack of appetite. In addition, the quality of life is influenced by fourteen symptoms, and these symptoms account for 79.0% of the variance in quality of life.