Quality of Life among Women with Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study in Idukki District Kerala

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer, one of the most common type of cancers affecting women in worldwide, and it is continuously increasing in India. Mastectomy and Chemotherapy are the essential treatment for recovery.it affect women’s physical as well as, emotional, and social well-being and overall, their quality of life, The rural regions like Idukki district where access to specialized Health care facilities and support system may be limited. Objective: To study the socio-demographic profile of women with breast cancer in Idukki district and to identify the relationship between selected socio-demographic variables with their quality of life. Methodology: This study followed a quantitative descriptive Cross-sectional design to examine 50 women with breast cancer (N=50) selected through purposive sampling in Idukki district, Kerala. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and the EORTC QLQ-BR23 scale and analysed using a t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean quality-of-life scores ranged from 40.33 to 68.67, indicating moderate levels of quality of life. No meaningful difference was found between married and unmarried women (p > .05). Monthly income showed a significant association with body image (F = 3.077, p = .037), while other domains were not significant (p > .05). Conclusion: This study found a moderate level of quality of life among participants. Economic factors such as income may influence body image, highlighting the need for social work interventions such as counselling, financial assistance, and support groups to improve their well-being.