Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases, and ignoring dental
Health care before and after treatment can have severe long-term consequences. Additionally, this
may have a negative impact on the patient’s general quality of life. Aim: The aim of the present
study was to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among breast cancer patients and
identify possible factors associated with the outcome. Methodology: In this observational crosssectional study, 200 women who had received breast cancer therapy and were being followed up
at a hospital made up the sample. The study was conducted between January 2021 and July 2022.
Information on sociodemographic characteristics, general health, and breast cancer was recorded.
The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index was used in clinical examinations to identify caries
experience. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire.
After adjusting for confounding variables, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the
related factors. Results: The mean OHIP-14 score was 11.48 (SD 1.35). There was a 63.0% prevalence
of negative impacts. Age and the time frame from cancer diagnosis were found to be significantly
linked with the outcome by binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Breast cancer survivors
who were ≤55 years old and the time elapsed since diagnosis was less than 36 months had a poor
OHRQoL. To lessen the negative impacts of cancer treatment and enhance quality of life, patients with
Breast cancer needs special oral care and should be monitored before, during, and after cancer treatment.