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

[BACKGROUND] 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.

[METHODS] 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.

[RESULTS] 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.

[CONCLUSION] 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.