Breast cancer survivors: quality of life and prevailing diagnoses

Knowledge of the Quality of Life (QoL) of surviving patients with breast cancer using an effective tool, and adapting it to nursing language using NANDA taxonomy, is essential to identify their needs and health problems. Objectives: To evaluate the QoL of women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 (survivors). To identify the most common health problems, and adapting them to the NANDA taxonomy. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a QoL Survey (EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23) in breast cancer survivors with the collection of demographic and clinical data (October-December 2009). Descriptive statistics (SPSS 18.0) were performed, as well as an analysis of the responses to questionnaire items, identifying defining characteristics, related factors and actual/potential diagnoses (NANDA taxonomy). Results: The study included 140 participants. There was a significant effect on: Sexual Function (23.16 +/- 25.85), Sexual Enjoyment (48.3 +/- 29.15), Concern for the future (51.63 +/- 32.32), insomnia (33.03 +/- 33.91) and Concern for hair loss (32.67 +/- 33.67). The most prevalent health problems were: inefficient sexual pattern (87.1%), body image disorder (80.7%), anxiety (41.5) and sexual dysfunction (31.7%). The relationship between these, the defining characteristics, the related factors and key questionnaire items for their identification are shown. Discussion: The QoL of breast cancer survivors is affected in various fields. The EORTC scale can be used as a focused evaluation of QoL. Evidence is provided on the most prevalent diagnoses in survivors, being a first step towards standardisation of care. Research on nursing interventions aimed at improving the QOL of patients is necessary. (C) 2011 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.