QUALITY OF LIFE IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS : IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING SUPPORT SERVICES

摘要: Purpose/objectives Quality of life (QOL) is becoming more important in regard to breast cancer as treatment advances extend the period survivorship. The purpose this article share results a center's attempt evaluate QOL needs survivors order provide improved supportive-care services. Design Descriptive mailed survey. Setting A medical center southern California. Sample random sample (N = 298). Methods Breast completed survey that included major outcome variables and pain. Subjects were stratified by three age groups: younger than 40 years, 40-60 older 60 years. Main research subscales (physical, psychological, social, spiritual well-being) overall score pain assessed Brief Pain Inventory. Findings Results indicated continued physical demands cancer, including fatigue pain, well psychological burdens related fear recurrence anxiety. social well-being domain some unique aspects when applied survivorship such female relatives. illustrated life-threatening illness living with uncertainty maintaining hope. also reported positive changes after successfully facing cancer. Conclusions experience many across physical, domains. Implications for nursing practice study's findings can be useful directing centers' efforts comprehensive care survivors. Nurses play critical role leading these services intended improve