Evolution of Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients during the First Year of Follow-Up

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to describe the evolution of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a cohort of breast cancer patients over 1 year after surgery and to analyse the predictive ability of HRQOL measurement instruments. METHODS Observational, multicenter and prospective study of a cohort of breast cancer patients, assessing HRQOL at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery using three questionnaires: EuroQol-5D-3L, EORTC QLQ-C30, and EORTC QLQ-BR23. RESULTS A total of 364 women participated in the study. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores from the EuroQol improved (1 month vs. 1 year: 70 vs. 80; p<0.0001); however, the EuroQol score showed no significant change (0.81 vs. 0.83; p=0.1323). In contrast, Global Health Status on the EORTC QLQ-C30 improved (66.67 vs. 100.00; p<0.0001), as did all of this instrument's scales and most of its independent items. The EORTC QLQ-BR23 dimensions showed improvement, except for sexual functioning (100.00 vs. 86.67; p=0.0030) and future perspective (33.33 vs. 66.67; p<0.0001). Patients with good HRQOL outcomes at 1 month showed improved levels of HRQOL at 1 year; HRQOL measured at 1 month was predictive of HRQOL at 1 year. CONCLUSION HRQOL improved during the follow-up period. Likewise, HRQOL measurement instruments can predict early HRQOL.