Quality of life assessment after modified radical mastectomy in early breast cancer

Background: Modified radical mastectomy performed for CA breast is a life modifying surgery for most women. It creates a profound impact on the quality of life enjoyed by the women. The magnitude of change in quality may pave the way for more conservative surgery in the future. Aim: To assess the quality of life in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for early breast cancer. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study consisting of 50 patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy in our institution from 2013-2015 for early breast cancer. Quality of life was assessed 6 months after surgery using a translated version of a customized questionnaire, which was based on the Royal College of surgeons' questionnaire. Results: In our study, the most common age group was found to be between 51-60 years (24). Most patients (30) had poor quality of life with 19 patients having an average quality of life. 23 patients with poor quality of life were from the lower socioeconomic class. 47 patients (94%) did not have any restriction of daily activities. Most of the patients (49) had mild pain and discomfort. Among the patients experiencing mild pain 59% (29 patients) had poor quality of life. Severe psychological impairment was present in 30 of our study population and was associated with poor quality of life in 29 cases (97%). 34 patients in the study population were not satisfied with their body image and was associated with poor quality of life in 30 (88%) of the cases. 27 patients in the study group were not satisfied with their sexual life and it was associated with poor quality of life in 23 (85%) of the patients. Conclusion: From this study we have concluded that the quality of life is poor in majority of the patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for early breast cancer with most of the patients having psychological impairment, unsatisfied body image perception, unsatisfied sexual life and mild pain. In addition to these factors socioeconomic status of the patient also affects the quality of life in these patients.