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