Partial Breast Irradiation: A Longitudinal Study of Symptoms and Quality of Life

Background: In many women with early-stage breast cancer, breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with partial breast irradiation (PBI) has similar overall survival and local recurrence rates compared to BCS with whole-breast irradiation (WBI). A better understanding of the quality of life (QOL) outcomes during and following BCS with PBI versus BCS with WBI is needed.

Objectives: This study was conducted to examine symptoms, symptom distress, cosmesis, QOL, and perceived body image in women during and after BCS with PBI.

Methods: A convenience sample of 31 women completed self-reports pre- and post-PBI over six months. Descriptive statistics and repeated- measures analysis were performed at baseline and three times post-PBI.

Findings: Most women reported satisfaction with body image and good QOL, despite a small decline in social well-being. Fatigue and mild to moderate symptom distress persisted over time.