Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.39(5) > 1002563

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Park, Jun, Kang, Joung, and Kim: Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2009; 39(5): 613-621.

Published online: 31 October 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2009.39.5.613

Symptom Experience and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Jin Hee Park1, Eun-Young Jun2, Mi-Young Kang3, Yong-Sik Joung4, Gu-Sang Kim5

1Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.

2Research Professor, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

3Nurse, Cheil General Hospitals and Womens' Health Care Center, Seoul, Korea.

4Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.

5Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Park, Jin Hee. College of Nursing, Ajou University, San 5 Woncheon-dong, Yongtong-gu, Suwon 443-749, Korea. Tel: 82-31-219-7019, Fax: 82-31-219-7020, jhee@ajou.ac.kr

Received 16 December 2008       Accepted 13 July 2009

Copyright © 2009 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to evaluate symptom experience and quality of life (QOL) and to identify the predictors of QOL among breast cancer survivors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 disease-free breast cancer survivors at two hospitals between December 2007 and July 2008. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-B, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-short Form and The Linear Analogue Self Assessment Scale were used to assess symptom experience and QOL in these patients. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 12.0.

Results

The mean score of QOL for breast cancer survivors was 95.81 (±18.02). The highest scores among physical and psychological symptoms were sexual interest and anxiety. Year since treatment completion was significantly associated with QOL in sociodemographic variables. Physical and psychological symptoms have a significant negative association with QOL. The results of the regression analyses showed that physical and psychological symptoms were statistically significant in predicting patients' QOL.

Conclusion

Symptom experience and QOL are essential variables that should be acknowledged when delivering health care to breast cancer survivors. More attention to the reduction and management of psychological distress could improve QOL among breast cancer survivors.

Keywords: Breast neoplasms, Quality of life, Survivors

Figures and Tables

Table 1
The Difference of Quality of Life by Sociodemographic Variables (N=200)
jkan-39-613-i001

BMI=body mass index.

Table 2
The Difference of Quality of Life by Disease/Treatment related Variables (N=200)
jkan-39-613-i002

SM=simple mastectomy; PM=partial mastectomy; MRM=modified radical mastectomy.

Table 3
Quality of Life of the Subjects (N=200)
jkan-39-613-i003

FACT-B=functional assessment of cancer therapy scale-B.

Table 4
Severity of Physical Symptoms and Psychological Symptoms (N=200)
jkan-39-613-i004
Table 5
Correlation between Symptoms and Quality of Life (N=200)
jkan-39-613-i005

PWB=physical well being; SWB=social well being; EWB=emotional well being; FWB=functional well being; BCS=breast cancer subscale; FACT-B=functional assessment of cancer therapy scale-B.

Table 6
Predictors for Quality of Life (N=200)
jkan-39-613-i006

FACT-B= functional assessment of cancer therapy scale-B; PWB=physical well being; SWB=social well being; EWB=emotional well being; FWB=functional well being; BCS=breast cancer subscale.

Notes

This study was funded by the graduate school of Ajou University, College of Nursing.

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