Evaluation of the impact of anaemia on quality of life among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anaemia on the quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 120 anaemic (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL) breast cancer patients were identified through chart review. Patients were followed-up for three cycles of chemotherapy filled in a QOL questionnaire Functional Assessment Chronic Therapy –Anaemia at each follow-up session. Data such as haemoglobin Hb levels and chemotherapy regimens were also recorded on each follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS. Key findings The Hb level and QOL mean scores of all follow-ups were 10.34 ± 0.73 g/dL and 96.37 ± 16.15 g/dL, respectively. QOL was adversely affected by anaemia severity, and the curves declined significantly from the first follow-up to the third follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusion It is crucial to consider developing a guideline for the treatment of anaemia, which is not available currently, and improve the QOL for the wellbeing of cancer patients.