The impact of demographic factors on quality of life in women after breast cancer surgery

Background: Health is the main focus of studies on quality of life. Cancer can lead to changes in quality of life in postmastectomy women. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the relation among sociodemographic factors and to assess the quality of life of women with breast cancer a year from their surgery. Materials and Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study included 104 participants (50 participants with mastectomy and 54 participants with quadrantectomy) aged from 37 to 72 years. The 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) was used to assess physical, psychological, and social functioning of participants, as well as their sociodemographic factors and the clinical variables of the treatment. Results: Participants with quadrantectomy aged up to 50 years had a significantly higher score when assessed in social functioning and mental/emotional health. Older participants expressed no significant differences in quality of life. Participants with quadrantectomy in all age groups had a higher score in social functioning, mental/emotional health, energy, and vitality than participants with mastectomy. Conclusion: A year from the surgery and cancer treatment, the quality of life of postquadrantectomy women was better compared to postmastectomy women.