Keywords

Breast cancer, Emotional profile, Physical profile, Predictors of QOL

 

Authors

  1. Wyatt, Gwen PhD, RN
  2. Beckrow, Kathryn Christensen RN, MS
  3. Gardiner, Joseph PhD
  4. Pathak, Dorothy PhD

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading type of cancer among women, and surgery is the primary treatment. The subacute phase of care after surgery has a significant impact on quality of life. This article explores the physical and psychological risk profiles of 240 women with early-stage cancer. Although several statistical models were designed for these data, the conclusions are based on the adjusted logistic regression model controlling for presurgical outcomes scores and all other demographics. Findings indicated that the physical risk profile included younger women (<55 years), unmarried, with a caregiver, and a college education. The psychological risk profile includes younger women (<55 years), unmarried, and with annual incomes under $75,000. These profiles will help practitioners anticipate the postsurgical supportive care needs of women with early-stage breast cancer.