The role of adaptation to the optimal quality of life among women after mastectomy

Introduction: Breast cancer is considered to be the malignant tumor that most often appears among women. The disease carries serious consequences such as physical, mental and spiritual disorders.

Material and methods: The research was carried out on 99 women, aged between 38 and 75, who are members of the “Amazonki” association in Słupsk and Chojnice. Adaptation to disease was estimated according to the AIS method by Z. Juczyński, whereas the quality of life – according to the WHOQL-BREF questionnaire.

Results: Women who took part in the research estimated their quality of life as average. In addition, professional career and the time period from surgery have the greatest influence on adaptation to disease. What is more, the optimal quality of life is also considerably influenced by disease acceptance.

Conclusions: A precise description of levels of the quality of life as well as the degree of adaptation to disease can function as an essential element in planning patient’s care in different stages of chronic disease as it can enable a quick recovery.