Purpose: Few studies have examined predictors of quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors over time.
Methods: Breast cancer survivors (n=116) were asked to complete measures of QOL, mood, spirituality, and social support every 6 months from 2-4 years post treatment.
Results: Overall QOL at 4 years was predicted by previous physical and functional well-being, the breast cancer-specific items, and vigor and current levels of social support (Adj R2=.72, F=30.53, p<.001). Physical QOL was predicted by previous levels of physical and functional well- being and current levels of functional and social/family well-being (Adj R2=.84, F=44.30, p<.001). Functional well- being was predicted by prior levels of physical, functional, and social/family well-being and current levels of physical well-being and vigor (Adj R2=.72, F=3-.53, p<.001). Emotional well-being was predicted by previous levels of emotional well-being and current physical well-being, the breast cancer-specific items, and anxiety (Adj R2=.60, F=26.30, p<.001). Social/family well-being was predicted by previous levels of social/family well-being, social support, and confusion (Adj R2=.71, F=34.18, p<<000). The breast cancer-specific items were predicted by age, previous levels of the breast cancer-specific items, confusion and current levels of emotional and functional well-being and spirituality (Adj R2=.58, F=17.57, p<.001).
Conclusions: Over all and specific dimensions of QOL at 4 years were predicted by different combinations of QOL, mood, and spirituality. Interventions should be tailored to which dimensions of QOL are affected and other types of QOL as well as social support, mood, and spirituality as coping mechanisms that influence the specific dimension of QOL affected.
Keywords: breast cancer; quality of life; racial/ethnic/cultural differences; social support; spirituality.