THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER DURING CHEMOTHERAPY: RESEARCH REPORT
Keywords:
Breast cancer; chemotherapy; quality of life; social support; family distress; financial burden.Abstract
Background: Breast cancer and its treatment can affect women’s family relationships, social functioning, and financial well-being. This study assessed the social dimensions of quality of life among women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Objective: To assess the social dimensions of quality of life among women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 121 women aged 20–50 years who had completed at least three cycles of chemotherapy. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and nine social dimensions of quality of life. Findings were summarized using frequencies and percentages.
Results: Most participants were aged 41–50 years (51.2%), married (97.5%), and urban residents (68.6%). Severe distress or a great deal of distress experienced by family members was reported by 84.3% of participants. Financial burden and concern about breast cancer in daughters or close female relatives were reported at these levels by 68.6% and 59.5%, respectively. Overall, 33.9% indicated that the support they received was not at all sufficient to meet their needs. Severe interference or a great deal of interference with activities at home was reported by 33.1%. However, 58.7% reported no interference with personal relationships, and 49.6% reported no illness-related isolation.
Conclusion: Family distress, financial burden, and concern for female relatives were prominent social concerns among women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. These findings highlight the need to assess social support needs and consider family-focused support and financial assistance within cancer care.
