Qualidade de uma vida de mulheres com câncer de mama em quimioterapia neoadjuvante

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer, only preceded by skin cancer. Although considered of good prognosis, it is still a stigmatizing condition. Objective: To characterize demographic aspects and quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer before and after treatment with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy at a teaching hospital in the state of São Paulo. Methodology: descriptive, cross-sectional study. Patients: participants were 60 adult women starting neo-adjuvant chemotherapy AC (Adriamycin + Cyclophosphamide). For data collection the following instruments were used: Identification Card, Interview Guide and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-B). Data were qualitative and quantitatively analyzed with descriptive statistics. For comparative analysis between variables the Wilcoxon test was used with significance level of p<0.05. Results: Participants ages ranged from 27 to 83 years old (M = 52.42 years, SD = 12.66 years), married (61.7%), with children and attending primary school (75%). For the physical, and functional domain, TOI (Trial Outcome Index), FACT-G (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General) and FACT-B there was a significant difference in the assessment of QoL pre and post-QT. Feeling unattractive (58.3%), sexual dissatisfaction (56.6%), insomnia (53.3%), alopecia (52.3%), fatigue (43.3%), inability to experience pleasure in life (40%) and feelings of sadness (41.6%) and inability to work (35%) were the most frequent symptoms post-QT. Conclusion: QT has an important impact on physical and functional QoL, impairing several roles played by the patient and affecting sexual and affective relationships.