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Supportive Care in Cancer

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01-12-2005 | Original Article

Ending treatment: the course of emotional adjustment and quality of life among breast cancer survivors immediately following radiation therapy

Authors: Teresa Deshields, Tiffany Tibbs, Ming-Yu Fan, Laura Bayer, Marie Taylor, Edwin Fisher

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 12/2005

Abstract

Goal of work

This study investigated changes in psychological adjustment and quality of life among breast cancer patients following completion of radiation therapy.

Patients and methods

Ninety-four patients completed measures of depressed mood, anxiety, and quality of life via interview at five time points: the end of radiation therapy, 2 weeks posttreatment, the first radiation oncology follow-up appointment (4–6 weeks after treatment), 3 months posttreatment, and 6 months posttreatment.

Main results

At the conclusion of radiation treatment, participants reported elevated levels of depression, low levels of anxiety, and diminished quality of life. By 2 weeks posttreatment, depression decreased significantly and overall quality of life improved significantly, as well as quality of life in the specific FACT-B domains of Physical and Functional Well Being and the Breast Cancer Subscale. Following that time, the only significant change involved further improvement in breast-cancer-specific concerns.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the primary psychological changes associated with ending breast cancer treatment occur quickly following the conclusion of treatment. Thereafter, psychological status appears to stabilize. The implications of these findings for treatment and directions for future research are discussed.

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Title: Ending treatment: the course of emotional adjustment and quality of life among breast cancer survivors immediately following radiation therapy
Authors: Teresa Deshields
Tiffany Tibbs
Ming-Yu Fan
Laura Bayer
Marie Taylor
Edwin Fisher
Publication date: 01-12-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 12/2005
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-005-0801-z

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Abstract

Goal of work

Patients and methods

Main results

Conclusions

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