| Description |
Primary breast carcinoma is the most common type of cancer among women and radiodermatitis a frequent complication of treatment. The study aims were to examine the feasibility of measurements of radiodermatitis and gain a better understanding of quality of life (QOL) among 40 women with grade 0-III breast carcinoma receiving radiotherapy at a community cancer center. Study design feasibility, clinician-measured breast length, and multiple assessments of breast radiodermatitis were explored in a pilot study. Maximum radiodermatitis score significantly correlated with breast length (p =.04), and with the following breast areas: upper inner quadrant (p=.04), upper lateral quadrant (p=.02), and lower lateral quadrant (p=.02), inframammary fold (p=.001). Clinician-measured breast lengths and participant-reported bra cup sizes were discordant estimates of breast size. Change in skin-related and global QOL between baseline and at week 5 on radiotherapy was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Quality of Life Instrument-Breast Cancer Patient Version. The relationship between, and factors associated with, skin-related and global QOL were examined. In general, skinrelated and global QOL were highly correlated. Skin-related QOL changed profoundly (M=.40, SD=1.19; versus M=3.88, SD=3.55, t(-6.32), p<.001) while global QOL did not change (M=296.90, SD=74.18; versus M=292.55, SD=72.23, t(60), p=.55) between baseline and five weeks on radiotherapy. We initiated the validation of the DLQI when used to measure skin-related QOL in breast radiodermatitis. Thirty-one (78%) participants provided narrative feedback on how the experience represented by each DLQI item impacted her life. Agreement between DLQI ratings and coded narratives ranged from 71% to 98%. Aside from work and study, the DLQI subscales demonstrated good internal consistency, α =.84. Content analysis was implemented to describe 28 participants' narrative response to an open-ended question about the most important DLQI item. Analysis of 60 narratives led to the identification of six themes: perspectives on having radiodermatitis, sensations caused by radiodermatitis, knowledge and preparation for radiotherapy, prevention of radiodermatitis, emotions induced by skin changes, and physical appearance of the breast skin. Results suggest radiodermatitis has a significant impact on skin-related QOL; breast length measurements and multiple assessments of radiodermatitis may improve breast cancer research in this area. |
