Abstract

Background: Breast cancer survival rates have improved globally, yet post-treatment quality of life (QoL) remains underexplored in low-resource settings. This study assessed QoL and symptom burden among socioeconomically underprivileged breast cancer survivors in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from May 2023 to October 2024 at Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College Hospital. One hundred histologically confirmed breast cancer patients completed validated Bangla versions of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. Descriptive and multivariate analyses identified predictors of impaired QoL. Results: The mean participant age was 42±8 years; 48% were stage II, 42% stage III. The mean functional domain scores were: physical (64%), emotional (56%), cognitive (52%), role (49%), and social (50%). Fatigue (66%), pain (63%), and financial difficulty (57%) were the most reported burdens. Regression analyses indicated that lower educational attainment (p<0.01), unemployment (p<0.05), and advanced disease stage (p<0.05) independently predicted poorer QoL. Conclusion: Underprivileged women in rural Bangladesh experience substantial physical and psychosocial distress post-treatment. Integrating financial, psychological, and social support into survivorship care is crucial to achieving holistic cancer recovery.

Keywords

breast cancer, quality of life, survivorship, Bangladesh, EORTC QLQ-C30, underprivileged women