Defects in functions, depression, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer

Psycho-social factors represent the part of complex functional handicap in different chronic diseases. The goal of the study was to assess how the patients differ from healthy women in depression and quality of life and how mutually interrelate the defects in functions, depression, and quality of life in patients with the breast cancer diagnosis. The group of 35 patients with breast cancer was compared to equivalent group of 35 healthy women. The defects in functions issued from International classification of functions, disabilities and health of WHO were assessed. Specific questionnaires ICF for patients and medical workers, quality of life (SF-36), and depression were used. A statistically significant difference was showed in depression level, as well as in all dimensions of SF-36 between the group of women with breast cancer and the control group. A negative significant relation of the depression score to summary mental sub-scale SF-36 was assessed as well as the relation of ICF domains of defects in body functions and restrictions on activity and participation and the quality of life SF-36 in surveyed group. These results should be taken in the concept of comprehensive rehabilitation and psychological interventions.