Η διερεύνηση του άγχους και της ποιότητας ζωής σε άτομα με καρκίνο του μαστού που υποβάλλονται σε χημειοθεραπεία

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is now the leading cause of death in women worldwide and the impact of a huge interest issue which is decades studied in the medical and nursing community. In the case of breast cancer, patients often experience problems, like anxiety and depression as a side effect of the therapeutic approaches are followed, whether the effect of the disease itself. Aim: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relation of anxiety and quality of life in women with breast cancer, who have received chemotherapy in Cyprus. Material and Method: This is a randomized study with typical descriptive design (typical descriptive design). A random selection was done (Random sampling - table of random numbers given to each participant). The research took place in the community from 2010 until 2012 αnd specifically in the homes of women with breast cancer. The patients included in the study, were women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer (histopathological diagnosis), and underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy mainly Trastuzumab (Herceptin) or a combination. The sample number was determined in 355 patients. All women completed four questionnaires. A questionnaire on demographics, a rating scale for quality of life in patients with malignancy of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer the EORTC QLQ-C30, a rating scale for quality of life shaped for women with breast cancer in EORTC QLQ - BR23 and scale of this assessment Stress Zung (Self anxiety scale, SAS). The data collection was performed by a research team led by Dr. Charalambous. Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in anxiety levels of patients who only had support from their family, where this group had higher levels of anxiety (p <0.001) compared with those supported by an association of cancer patients or a combination of family and association. The results also show that stress has a significant impact on quality of life and, in combination with one of the personal characteristics of the source of support. It seemed that when a person has a high level of anxiety and receives support only by family will have a lower quality of life. The personal characteristics are the only that seem to relatively affect (at a significance level of 10%) and is the source of support and the time of diagnosis. The time of diagnosis also seems to have a role in quality of life (p-value = 0.068 <10%), where o is negative coefficient (-1.842) that shows that the greater the time of diagnosis, the lower is the level of quality of life. Conclusions: When the nurses know, the impact of the disease and its treatment on quality of life on patients, with breast cancer, become capable in providing high-quality care services. The best support for patients, who are at higher risk to experience psychological symptoms during or after therapy, as and to implement effective strategies to ameliorate the symptoms for those who need it, becomes necessary. When psychological symptoms are identified, patients can be referred to clinical psychologists or psychiatrists directly for further assistance and support. Health professionals should be sensitized to include these issues in prevention strategies, diagnosis and treatment. It is necessary to examine in depth the needs of these women that the effect of breast cancer treatment and to be better understood. There should be a proper dialogue and communication between nurses and patients in order to reduce stress and generally provide a better quality of life. The findings of this research could form the basis for the implementation and evaluation of health programs that have this goal in mind.