The Quality of Life of Elderly Women who Underwent Radiofrequency Ablation to Treat Breast Cancer

Jillian Roberts, Ph.D., Lani Maxwell, M.A., Sheryl MacMath, Kendra Massie, M.A., Ivo A. Olivotto, Ph.D., Cathy Parker, Ph.D., and Allen Hayashi, Ph.D.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to gratefully acknowledge the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, British Columbia/Yukon Chapter, for funding this project.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), an investigational treatment for breast cancer, on the quality of life of elderly women. This qualitative study utilized a descriptive phenomenology approach. We conducted individual interviews with participants four months to one year after treatment and then analyzed these interviews for common themes. Questions specific to the RFA procedure and quality of life were asked. Twelve Caucasian women (aged 60 – 81 years) who had undergone the RFA treatment participated in individual interviews. We found that the RFA treatment improved participant’s quality of life by: (a) giving them the opportunity to choose the procedure, (b) enabling them to kill the tumor, and, (c) providing an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to cancer research. Participant recommendations for healthcare practitioners are included.

Keywords:   Radiofrequency ablation, elderly women, quality of life, breast cancer treatment