Low Income Deteriorates Quality of Life in Early Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background

Patients who have survived cancer and have lower socio-economic status, are more likely to leave the workforce. Financial problems are widespread among many of the breast cancer survivors, but their effect on the quality of life are not sufficiently explored. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of low income onto quality of life in early breast cancer survivors.

Methods

In this study, 214 consecutive early female breast cancer patients, with mean age of 60 years (range 30–90), were interviewed for psycho-social aspects, depression (MINI) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-Core 30 and BR-23). All patients were cancer free at the moment of interview and all initial oncological treatments were completed. Monthly net family income distribution was: ≤150 euro 58 patients (27.1%); income between 150–500 euro 116 patients (54.2%); ≥500 euro 40 patients (18.7%).

Results

Patients with income ≤150 euro, compared to patients with income ≥500 euro, had statistically significant worse global health status (60.2 ± 27.9 vs. 80.2 ± 19.2; P = 0.0007); worse physical functioning (80.3 vs. 69.1; P < 0.001); worse role functioning (92.9 vs. 78.7; P = 0.009); worse sexual functioning (P = 0.019); more severe fatigue (38 vs. 23; P = 0.01), nausea/vomitus (P = 0.041), appetite loss (18.4 ± 7.5). Major depression was diagnosed in 35 patients. Depressed patients have less income than not depressed patients (23.3% vs. 14.41%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Lower income negatively affects many aspects of quality of life. Specific interventions are needed for cancer survivors with lower socio-economic status to preserve and improve the quality of life.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.