Relationship between local and systemic therapy and quality of life in women with breast cancer aged ≤ 35 years
Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2026, 62(1), 40-46.
Iv. Ivanova1,3, S. Tsvetkova2, M. Kamburova3
1Department of Medical Oncology, UMHAT “Dr Georgi Stranski” – Pleven
2Section “Preclinical and Clinical Sciences”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Pleven
3Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract: Introduction. Women aged ≤ 35 years diagnosed with breast cancer demonstrate higher levels of anxiety, problems with sexual functioning and body image after surgery. Physical, psychological and social problems are observed, which impair their quality of life. Objective. The aim of the study is to analyze the self-reported level of anxiety and fears about the future, the degree of sexual dysfunction, and to determine the impact of treatment side effects on the quality of life of women aged ≤ 35 years. Materials and Methods. The study included 37 young women aged ≤ 35 years. Demographic variables, sexual functioning, future health fears and the impact of the treatment on quality of life were studied. The EORTC QLQ BR23 questionnaire was included for assessment. Excel and SPSS software version 26 were used for analysis and processing. Results. Young women’s anxiety and fears in our study increase over time (r = .350, p = 0.005). A positive relationship was found between the duration of the disease and the side effects of drug therapy (r = .342, p = 0.005). A strong relationship was also found between the duration of the disease and perception of one’s own body (body image) (r = .391, p = 0.003). The more severe the side effects from therapy were, the more dissatisfied the women surveyed were with their bodies (r = .939, p = 0.000). A strong correlation was found between the side effects from therapy and symptoms on the side of the operated breast (r = .828, p = 0.000). Drug treatment side effects and breast symptoms were positively correlated (r = .793, p = 0.000). Conclusion. Young women with breast cancer are group of patients who face the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Understanding and focusing on the specific psychoemotional needs of this group of patients is necessary to preserve their quality of life.
Key words: breast cancer, very young women, anxiety, body image, quality of life
Address for correspondence: Ivelina Ivanova, MD, e-mail: dr_ivelina_ivanova@abv.bg