Perceived symptoms and quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy.

The purpose of this study was to describe symptoms, side-effects and quality of life (QoL) of women with breast cancer during and following treatment with radiation therapy. The sample consisted of 134 women with breast cancer. Symptoms were measured using a modified version of the Oncology Treatment Toxicity Tool (OTTAT) and QoL was measured using the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System-short form (CARES-sf). The results showed an increase in experienced symptoms and their severity as the treatment progressed. QoL was perceived as poorest at baseline before treatment had started. During the treatment, QoL scores leveled out and an improvement could be seen after completion of treatment. The study findings provide directions and suggestions for assessment and management of perceived symptoms for women receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer from the second week and up to 2 weeks after completion of therapy is the critical time-period for targeting interventions for experienced symptoms and side-effects from radiation therapy.