ecancermedicalscience

Research

Sociodemographic factors and treatment effects on quality of life in locally advanced breast cancer: a cross-sectional study

15 Aug 2025
Sasongko Hadi Priyono, Winardi Budiwinata, Budianto Tedjowitono, Effendy, Muhamad Daffa Ibnurasy Pratama

Purpose: This study aimed to identify key aspects of health-related quality of life in women with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and analyse their links to factors and treatment modalities.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2023 in Ulin Regional Public Hospital, Banjarmasin, Indonesia, involving LABC women whose quality of life (QoL) was assessed using Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer 23. Data were analysed using ANOVA, independent t-tests for parametric data, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests for non-parametric data and significant variables (p < 0.05) included in a final regression model for identifying predictors.

Results: Of 100 participants (mean age 50 years), most had low education levels (41%), were unemployed (74%) and had stage IIIB cancer. Body image score was the highest, while systemic therapy side effect was the lowest. Better sexual enjoyment was reported in post-menopausal women (p = 0.043), those with higher education (p = 0.036) and married individuals (p = 0.021). Higher economic status was associated with better sexual enjoyment (p = 0.008) and fewer breast symptoms (p = 0.011); however, economic status was negatively associated with employment status (p = 0.043). Worsening arm symptoms were associated with prolonged illness (p = 0.022). Surgical intervention was associated with higher body image (p = 0.010) and lower systemic side effects (p = 0.023). Traditional medicine was associated with lower arm symptoms (p = 0.026). Economic/occupational status explained 10.5% of sexual functioning scores.

Conclusion: Poor QoL in LABC patients overall was associated with low sociodemographic conditions, late presentation and chemotherapy-related side effects.

Related Articles

Eduardo Cazap, Benjamin O Anderson, Giuseppe Curigliano, Sandeep Sehdev, Fatima Cardoso, Ana Rita Gonzalez, Emad Shash, Cheng-Har Yip, André Mattar, Yanin Chavarri-Guerra, Miriam Mutebi, Yongmei Yin, João Victor Rocha, Ilaria Lucibello, Namita Srivastava
Mayank Chhabra, Somika Meet, Gandhar Tendulkar, Kunal Oswal, Milan Toraskar, Sai Murali, Bharat Kumar Sarvepalli, Sripriya Rao, Ramachandran Venkataramanan, Yogesh Jain
Vanlaltluangi, Lalengkimi Ralte, John Zothanzama, Lalrammawia Tochhawng, Ruby Zothankimi Ralte, Harvey Vanlalpeka, Nachimuthu Senthil Kumar
Atul Budkh, Sonali Bagal, Deepak Gupta, Sharyu Mhamane, Ravikant Singh, Burhanuddin Qayyumi, Abha Rani Sinha, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Satyajit Pradhan, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Rajendra Badwe, Sudeep Gupta