Gastrointestinal toxicity and quality of life in women with breast cancer: results of our own study
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2025, 61(5), 41-46.
Iv. Ivanova1,3 S. Tsvetkova3, M. Kamburova3
1 Department of Medical Oncology, UMHAT “Dr Georgi Stranski” – Pleven
2 Section “Preclinical and Clinical Sciences”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Pleven
3 Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Introduction: Treatment of women with breast cancer is accompanied by gastro- intestinal toxicity. It affects the social and role functioning of patients and worsens their quality of life. Objective: The aim of the present study is to analyze the results of questions related to gastrointestinal toxicity and the impact of these symptoms on normal functioning in women with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The results of 210 women with breast cancer are presented. Demographic indicators such as age and type of treatment were used. A quality of life questionnaire – EO- RTC QLQ-C30, and a specific breast cancer questionnaire – EORTC QLQ-BR23, were applied. Excel and SPSS v26 were used for statistical analysis and processing of the obtained results. Results and Discussion: More than half (63.8%) of the women surveyed in the present study had undergone chemotherapy, and about one-third (34.3%) had undergone radiation therapy. Taste changes affected social functioning (r =.304, p =.000). The role function of women is affected by the pres- ence of symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity – loss of appetite (r =.398, p =.000), nausea (r =.320, p =.000), change in taste (r =.422, p =.000). A moderate depend- ence is observed between social and role function (r =.459, p =.000). Conclusion: Gastrointestinal toxicity following cancer treatment is a serious problem faced by breast cancer patients. Prevention and timely treatment of gastrointestinal disorders are necessary to preserve quality of life.
Key words: breast cancer, gastrointestinal toxicity, social and role functioning, quality of life
Address for correspondence: Ivelina Ivanova, MD, e-mail: dr_ivelina_ivanova@abv.bg