Quality of life and sexual function after breast conservation surgery and mastectomy without reconstruction in South Indian patients

Breast cancer is a leading malignancy among women worldwide, significantly affecting physical, psychological, and sexual well-being. Surgical options such as breast conservation surgery (BCS) and mastectomy have distinct implications on patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sexual functioning in breast cancer patients undergoing BCS or mastectomy.

A prospective observational study was conducted over a 10-month period at a tertiary care hospital. Sixty-five breast cancer patients aged 20–50 years, who underwent either BCS (n=33) or mastectomy (n=32), were enrolled. Data were collected on baseline characteristics and HRQoL and sexual functioning were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-BR42 and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires.

BCS patients reported significantly better scores in FSFI domains such as desire, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction (p<0.05), with a higher final FSFI score (5.53 ± 1.78) compared to mastectomy patients (3.93 ± 1.06). On the BR42 scale, BCS patients showed better body image and satisfaction scores (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in systemic side effects, future health worries, and sexuality domains between the groups.

Breast conservation surgery patients had better sexual function and quality of life compared to mastectomy patients. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating quality-of-life outcomes in surgical decision-making and preoperative counseling for breast cancer patients.