Postmastectomy Life Quality In Patients With Breast Cancer In Khartoum

Abstract

Background: Mastectomy affects female’s life quality and females after mastectomy require long term support. The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the quality of life and achievements in patients with breast cancer after mastectomy and to throw some light on the prognosis of breast cancer in Sudanese patients. Methods: One hundred sixty two patients were enrolled during the period 1995- 2008. Quality of life questionnaire was used for data collection. Patients were followed for 1- 14 years with a mean of 4± 2 years. Results: The overall 5-year survival was 90%. Overall satisfaction was good (75%). However, seventy-seven percent (77%) were unsatisfied with their body image in the first month of follow up but this improved gradually. Depression and anxiety occurred in 25% but decreased to 15% after 3 years. Sexuality was not affected by mastectomy. A good number of patients had good achievements in terms of child birth and spiritual achievements. Conclusion: The quality of life was affected negatively in patients with mastectomy in terms of body image but the overall quality of life was not affected significantly.