Quality of life of women living with metastatic breast cancer and receiving palliative care: A systematic review

Health Care Women Int. 2021 Sep;42(7-9):1044-1065. doi: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1876063. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Abstract

The quality of life (QoL) of women living with metastatic breast cancer and receiving palliative care needs more attention. We reviewed published studies (1992-2019) examining QoL of women receiving palliative care. The findings were interpreted according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of palliative care. Four themes emerged: (1) the impact of medical treatment on pain relief; (2) the need for psychosocial attention and support; (3) the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach; (4) ambiguous understanding of the term palliative care. A common understanding of the term palliative care and more research is needed to enhance the QoL of women living with metastatic breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care
  • Quality of Life*