Authors: Arifa Aziz, Zeenat Shaheen.
Aim: The aim of our study is to assess how the quality of life of patients with breast cancer is affected by the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide and Taxane.
Method: Questionnaire form was developed which includes questions on side effects of chemotherapy,that ask presence and severity of psychological, spiritual and social wellbeing and extent of fear in patients receiving chemotherapy. The questionnaire forms are filled by patients after taking their written consent and explaining the study to them. The patients’ data was collected from the Oncology daycare at the Aga Khan University Hospital.
Inclusion criteria
• Breast Cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and Taxanes (Paclitaxel/Docetaxel).
• Patients aged above 20 years and below 65 years.
Exclusion criteria
• Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and known cardiac diseases.
• Patients who are suffering from depression and psychiatric illnesses.
Results: The most common problems for patients receiving chemotherapy for Breast cancers are fatigue, changes in appetite and generalized pain affecting more than 90 percent patients. More than eighty percent patients have fear of recurrence or spreading of their disease and financial burden. Around sixty to seventy percent patients have issues with their psychological wellbeing like lack of happiness and satisfaction in life, difficulty to concentrate and feeling usefulness of life. Ninety percent people feel stress in their family but on the other hand receive same amount of support too. Almost ninety percent people are markedly motivated towards religious activities.
Conclusion: This study can be concluded as that severely affecting problems to most of the patients are fatigue, pains, and changes in appetite, sleep and financial burden. Religion and spiritual activities bec
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