A Comprehensive Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Mental Status and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients With Schizophrenia at Different Treatment Stages (Preoperative and Postoperative)

Abstract

Objective: Surgery, as the preferred option to extend the survival of breast cancer patients, has increasingly garnered attention for its impact on patients' mental status and quality of life (QoL). Therefore, this study aimed to identify the factors affecting the QoL and mental status of breast cancer patients with schizophrenia, thus enabling subsequent interventions to improve their mental status and QoL. 

Methods: This study included 125 breast cancer patients with schizophrenia, and their mental status and QoL were analyzed before and after surgery. The mental status of these patients was assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to score their QoL. Baseline characteristics were recorded, including age, marital status, education level, and per capita monthly household income. The clinical and demographic data were statistically analyzed to identify factors affecting patients' mental status and QoL. 

Results: We observed that the mental status and QoL of breast cancer patients with schizophrenia at preoperative and postoperative stages were influenced by marital status, education level, tumor stage, tumor size, and monthly family income. Additionally, the type of surgery was significantly associated with postoperative mental status and QoL and was found to be a predictor influencing the overall QoL. Furthermore, surgery had a positive impact on patients across different treatment stages. 

Conclusion: The psychological state and QoL of breast cancer patients with schizophrenia are influenced by various factors at different stages of treatment (preoperative and postoperative). Surgery significantly improves the patients' psychological state and QoL.