Breast cancer can affect many parts of your life. Not only must you cope with the emotional strain of the diagnosis and the discomfort of treatment, but you still have to deal with the stresses of everyday life. Even though your diagnosis may be similar to another person’s, your situation is like no one else’s. And, the way breast cancer impacts your life is unique. Here, we discuss quality of life issues. Follow the links below to find information on specific topics.
What is quality of life?
Quality of life is a measure of your physical, emotional and social well-being. Whether you are newly diagnosed, a long-term survivor or still in active treatment, breast cancer can affect how you feel inside and out. You may have short and long-term side effects from the breast cancer itself as well as from the treatment. And, after treatment ends, health and non-health related issues, such as financial concerns, can impact your quality of life. Although you cannot get rid of all of these factors, there are ways to manage them and improve your quality of life. It is important to take care of yourself. You may even feel more in control if you address some of these issues.
Quality of life related to diagnosis and treatment
Quality of life appears to be affected most at the time of diagnosis [23]. In the first year after a cancer diagnosis and during the active phase of treatment, it is common to feel depressed and anxious [24]. To learn more about depression, visit the Support chapter.
Side effects related to treatment can worsen your quality of life. Once treatment ends, most side effects go away and you can begin to feel like yourself again. Over time, most people feel better physically and mentally [25]. And, in the meantime, there are many things you can do to improve your well-being. To find out more about specific quality of life issues related to diagnosis and treatment, click on the links below.
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Quality of life after treatment
After treatment, most breast cancer survivors report a good quality of life. However, you may still have some long-term side effects from treatment, such as those related to menopause, fatigue and sexual function [26-28]. It can be hard to plan for or cope with these side effects since they vary from person to person. But, there are things you can do to ease some symptoms. Learn more about quality of life issues for survivors in the After Treatment section.
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Factors that improve quality of life in long-term survivors
Social support is linked to a better quality of life in breast cancer survivors [28]. (To learn more, visit the Support section.) Also, exercise can improve mood, fatigue and social well-being [29-30]. (To learn more, visit the After Treatment chapter.)
Neither ethnicity nor breast cancer stage seems to affect quality of life in survivors [28].
Quality of life issues related to metastatic breast cancer
For those with metastatic breast cancer, quality of life issues are especially important. Even when treatment ends, there are many ways to take care of yourself.
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Positive effects on quality of life
Although breast cancer often has a negative impact on quality of life, it can also trigger a positive change in your outlook on life [31]. You may have a stronger sense of spirituality or faith and a more hopeful view that may increase pleasure in life [32].
Being a survivor also puts you in a unique position to help others affected by breast cancer. After your treatment is completed, there are many ways that you can still be a part of the breast cancer cause through research, community work or advocacy efforts. Whether you enroll in a study, serve as an advisor or volunteer for an advocacy group, you can make a difference. Learn more about getting involved in any of these efforts.
Updated 09/17/09
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