QUALITY OF LIFE EVALUATION IN WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER REGISTERED IN A SUPPORT ASSOCIATION IN NORTHERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and malignant neoplasms worldwide. Moreover, it tends to destabilize the emotional state of those affected, with potential impacts on clinical prognosis. The study aimed to evaluate the perception of quality of life in women with breast cancer who attend the Voluntary Association for Oncology Support and are undergoing treatment at a reference oncology hospital in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. An adapted version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-Item Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used to guide interviews with a sample of 30 women who have or have had breast cancer, aged between 35 and 85 years at the time of the study. With highly heterogeneous results across the categorized age groups, only a small number of these women reported negative psychological changes, detectable through the instrument used. There were few reports of significant symptoms, whether physical, social, or psychological, related to the clinical condition. It is inferred, it is believed that the findings result from the support provided by the care institutions, although further studies are recommended to explore the possible emotional impacts arising from a breast cancer diagnosis.