Table 7 Factors related to improved or reduced quality of life in breast cancer patients and survivors

Reduction of radiation-induced skin toxicity using simultaneous integrated boost, accelerated partial breast irradiation, and prone positioning

Adjuvant endocrine therapy-related side effects including vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes

Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the elderly with solid tumors

Targeted therapy-related side effects: diarrhoea and skin rash in the adjuvant and metastatic settings for HER2+ breast cancer

Oncoplastic breast surgery

Body image after mastectomy

Both immediate and delayed breast reconstruction in long-term

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia

Better preoperative counseling and informed decision-making

Disturbances in sexual life

Physical activity interventions such as yoga, exercise, physical self-management, complementary exercise, art therapies, and mind–body exercise therapy

Less social support and unmet needs

Treatment of lymphedema: manual lymphatic drainage

Lymphedema affecting woman’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being

Psychoeducational support or receiving social support in early stage breast cancer

Premature menopause, menopausal symptoms, and infertility

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Comorbid depression which significantly increases the burden of distress and dysfunction