Quality of Life in Breast and Gynecological Cancer: A Review of Systematic Reviews, 1985-2025.
Fatma Qurrotunnada, Erna Rochmawati
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In 30 seconds
This review of systematic reviews synthesized research on quality of life (QoL) among people with breast and gynecological cancers, covering publications from 1985 to 2025. Searches identified 24 reviews, which were assessed using AMSTAR criteria and summarized across measurement tools, interventions, and geographic and population differences. The EORTC QLQ-C30 was the most commonly used QoL measure. Reviews most often examined treatment effects; for breast cancer, aerobic exercise, Baduanjin exercise, and acupuncture were among the interventions highlighted as beneficial. The authors noted substantial variation in designs, interventions, and outcomes.
Key findings
- Twenty-four systematic reviews were included in the synthesis.
- The EORTC QLQ-C30 was the most widely used quality-of-life assessment tool.
- For breast cancer, reviews highlighted aerobic exercise, Baduanjin exercise, and acupuncture as interventions associated with improved quality of life.
- The included reviews varied in designs, interventions, and outcomes, complicating comparisons of effectiveness.
Why it matters
Quality of life is an important outcome in cancer care, but this overview indicates that evidence is difficult to compare because studies use varied measures and approaches. It identifies commonly used assessment tools and interventions reported as beneficial, while underscoring the need for more consistent reporting and stronger trials to clarify which approaches are effective.
What to keep in mind
The authors report that variation in study designs, interventions, outcomes, and reporting makes it difficult to identify the most effective methods for improving quality of life.