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

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.