Cross-sectional investigation of the effects of the war in Gaza on quality-of-life of breast cancer patients

Abstract

Background: The current conflict in Gaza has had a major impact on the residents, especially those with chronic illnesses such as breast cancer. Aim: To evaluate the impact of the war in Gaza on the quality-of-life of breast cancer patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific 23-Item (BR-23) questionnaires to obtain data from 300 breast cancer patients (residents and refugees) in Rafah, Gaza, between 1 February and 1 May 2024. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25 and statistical significance was established at P < 0.05. Results: The participants had a mean age of 52 years, 70% were married and 60% had children. Significant relationships were found between exposure to war-related events and lower quality-of-life across all measured domains (P < 0.01). Exposure to conflict was associated with significantly lower cognitive, role, emotional, and physical functioning scores. Fatigue (70%), pain (60%) and financial difficulties (55%) were the most common problems. Significant decreases in quality of-life were observed in conjunction with conflict exposure. Individuals displayed deficits in their social, emotional and physical welfare. There was a strong link between low quality-of-life and issues such as violence, displacement and disruption of health care services. Physical functioning was a critical domain in the assessment of quality-of-life. Conclusion: The war in Gaza has significantly reduced the quality-of-life of breast cancer patients, indicating that conflict negatively affects social, emotional and physical health. This study highlights the need for focused treatment and comprehensive support to address these complex issues.