Quality of life after sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer

Aim. This study assessed the effects of multiple therapeutic factors on quality of life (QOL) in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods. We surveyed 179 recurrence-free women with early breast cancer who had undergone a sentinel lymph node procedure, between January 1999 and June 2001. Age, tumour size, breast and axillary procedure, nodal status, chemotherapy, supra-clavicular fossa radiotherapy, and hormone therapy were tested as possible factors associated with poor QOL. Results. Information on QOL was obtained for 148 out of 179 patients. Age less than 55 years and chemotherapy were factors associated with impairment of physical well-being. Tumour size was associated with poor socio-familial well-being. Factors associated with altered arm subscale scores were age <55, axillary procedure, nodal status, chemotherapy and supra-clavicular fossa radiotherapy. Unexpectedly, sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure delayed the onset of chemotherapy if the metastatic status of SLN was not diagnosed intra-operatively. Conclusion. Efforts are needed to improve the QOL of young patients. Axillary procedure affects only QOL related to arm morbidity.