Changes in Functional Capacity, Respiratory Health Status and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy at Tertiary Health Care Hospital

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Radiotherapy is used in conjunct with chemotherapy, which improves survival rate in breast cancer patients. Radiotherapy posterior to the anterior axillary line exposes the lung directly which increases the risk of pneumonitis, lung fibrosis and other lung conditions. Subjective and objective criteria determine the changes in functional capacity, respiratory health status and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Aim: This study aimed at finding out any changes in functional capacity, respiratory health status and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at tertiary health care hospital. Methods: A total of 45 patients with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy were screened. Out of which 33 patients were included and 12 were excluded as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The 6 min walk test (6MWT), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and European Organization Research Treatment Cancer Quality Of Life Cancer-30 (EORTC QOL C-30) assessment were done pre and post radiotherapy to find out functional capacity, respiratory health status and quality of life. Data analysis was done by using SPSS 22 software. Results: There was statistically significant difference in functional capacity (p=0.00) and respiratory health status (p=0.00) in breast cancer patients but no statistically significant difference in quality of life (p=0.63). Conclusion: The study showed that there is change in functional capacity and respiratory health status but no change in quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in tertiary health care hospital. Key words: functional capacity, respiratory health status, quality of life, breast cancer, radiotherapy