Revista de oncología clínica y experimental

Impaired Quality of Life (QoL) and Psychological Distress in Breast Cancer Patients and their Caregivers: A Brief Overview

Riddhi Ghosh, Saraswat Basu and Shazia Rashid*

Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality among women in the world. Breast cancer can affect physical health as well as the mental health of patients and can bring about feelings of fear, uncertainty, and loss. This article focuses on the psychological effects of breast cancer for patients as well as their caregivers, and what measures might benefit them. Patients report a range of harmful consequences throughout diagnosis, treatment, and long term survivorship, including an increased risk of anxiety and depression, body image issues, and impairments in physical, emotional, and social Quality of Life (QoL). Family caregivers are burdened both physically and emotionally by having to provide continuous care to patients with insufficient support from healthcare professionals. Several psychosocial interventions can make it easier for patients and caregivers to cope with such detrimental outcomes, some of which are mentioned in this article. There are tests available to evaluate the psychosocial needs of patients, which can help healthcare professionals decide the interventions required. Policies recognizing the importance of providing psychosocial care services and regular psychological assessments in national cancer programs could be a crucial step in bringing change to healthcare to effectively address the psychological needs of breast cancer patients.