Functional and physical well-being and concerns of breast cancer survivors

Well-being of breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Objectives: To compare levels of functional and physical well-being and specific concerns of breast cancer survivors. Method: This cross-sectional, correlational, multicenter study was conducted in a public health facility and a complementary health facility, both located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected between March and November 2021. We included women diagnosed with breast cancer of any etiology and staging, free of disease, with or without endocrine therapy. The Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Breast instruments were used. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed. Results: A total of 90 women participated in the study (mean age = 57.6 years); most of them were diagnosed between 2017 and 2020. In the public system, regarding education, most were between illiterate and incomplete high school, while in the complementary health group, the majority had completed higher education. In the area of additional concerns—breast cancer
domain, the public group had a higher score than the supplemental health group; in the sum of both groups, age was positively and negatively correlated with survival time. Functional well-being scores were lowest in both groups. Conclusions: The study highlights that breast cancer survivors, regardless of the health care system, share similar concerns related to the disease. These concerns, particularly among older women and in the Brazilian Unified Health System, have a significant impact on quality of life. Care plans should address these concerns individually and provide support and education after treatment.