Psychophysiological Well-Being & Quality of Life (QoL) among breast cancer patients after mastectomy.

Abstract

Breast Cancer is the most common lethal malignancy affecting the quality of female lives globally, eliciting great distress in all aspects of life, i.e., physically, mentally, psychologically, psychophysiologically, etc. This review aims to demonstrate the factors impacting breast cancer patients' psychophysiological well-being and QoL after mastectomy. Human studies focusing on factors demonstrating the after-effect of mastectomy on the psychophysiological well-being and QoL among breast cancer patients were reviewed. The studies reviewed to describe the effects of mastectomy on breast cancer patients and the aftermaths of the treatment on the psychological as well as psychophysiological well-being and their QoL through different means and methods. Moreover, this review highlights the factors affecting the resiliency of breast cancer patients. The literature is briefly reviewed and includes highlights of the psychophysiological well-being and changes in QoL and an exploration of the relationship among the study variables and patients with breast cancer after mastectomy and the way they opt to improve their QoL. Although mastectomy is considered beneficial complementary therapy for women with breast cancer, it still highly affects the individual's mental and physical health. It is observed that to improve the QoL and enhance psychological and physiological well-being, breast cancer patients need to have ways to resilient themselves. The factors that help patients to achieve post-traumatic growth (PTG) and resilience include therapies, lifestyle changes, and support and care.