Exploring factors impacting quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy: Experience of the Medical Oncology Department-CHU Hassan II-FEZ University Hospital.

person Hafssa El Hilali Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco info_outline Hafssa El Hilali, Nassiba Bahra, Sanae Guennouni, Chaymae Chbihi, Samia El Hakym, Jihane Chouef, Oumaima Talbi, Hajar Medyouni, Lamiae Amaadour, Karima Oualla, Zineb Benbrahim, Touria Bouhafa, Nawfel Mellas, Samira El Fakir, Samia Arifi

Authors person Hafssa El Hilali Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco info_outline Hafssa El Hilali, Nassiba Bahra, Sanae Guennouni, Chaymae Chbihi, Samia El Hakym, Jihane Chouef, Oumaima Talbi, Hajar Medyouni, Lamiae Amaadour, Karima Oualla, Zineb Benbrahim, Touria Bouhafa, Nawfel Mellas, Samira El Fakir, Samia Arifi Organizations Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco, Epidemiology Laboratory, Clinical Research, and Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco, Department of Radiotherapy. Hassan II University Hospital, Medical School of University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, Fez, Morocco, Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine of Fez, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Meknes, Morocco Abstract Disclosures Research Funding No funding sources reported Background: Considering that the recommended duration of adjuvant hormone therapy in localized breast cancer is at least 5 years, it becomes crucial to investigate the quality of life (QOL) of these patients and the factors influencing it. Objectives: To assess the quality of life (QOL) and identify factors impacting it in patients with localized hormone-sensitive breast cancer receiving adjuvant hormone therapy. Methods: We surveyed 335 patients with localized hormone-sensitive breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy using the Moroccan Arabic dialect version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Confidentiality of participant data was maintained. The study was carried-out with respect to the Moroccan regulation in effect. Results: The overall quality of life (QOL) in our patient population was moderate, with positive scores for social functioning, followed by physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Financial difficulties emerged as the most influential factor affecting patients' QOL, followed by fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. Age-related declines in physical functioning were observed, with symptoms more prevalent, especially diarrhea, in patients aged 70 and above (p = 0.009). Urban patients faced a greater financial impact on QOL than rural patients (p = 0.025). Higher education correlated with improved QOL, particularly in physical functioning (p = 0.025). Married individuals demonstrated better overall QOL and fewer symptoms (p = 0.027). Menopausal patients exhibited lower ability and a higher loss of appetite (p = 0.027). No significant correlation was found between UICC stage and QOL. Patey-mastectomy was associated with more pain than tumorectomy (p = 0.024). Previous chemotherapy had no overall QOL impact, but users reported less diarrhea (p = 0.016). Hormone therapy type did not significantly affect overall health status, except for tamoxifen users who demonstrated improved functional roles (p = 0.008). The duration of adjuvant hormone therapy (<5 years or >5 years) showed no significant difference in patient QOL. Associated castration had a significant impact on overall health and role functioning, favoring non-castration (p = 0.034 and p = 0.011). Effective treatment tolerance positively influenced overall QOL, leading to better physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning (p < 0.0001), with fewer pronounced symptoms. Conclusions: Our study indicate that the overall QOL of patients with localized breast cancer under AET was moderate, and several factors were identified as major influences, each affecting the QOL in distinct ways.