Background & Aims : Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world. These diseases and their treatment influence the quality of life functions. Psychological treatment can improve the quality of life of these patients. The present study made an attempt to comparatively study the efficacy of emotional disclosure practices using verbal/writing on improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer in Tabriz.

  Materials & Methods : Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, a sample of 30 women with breast cancer from breast cancer support community members in Tabriz were selected randomly into two experimental groups and control group (n = 15 in each group). Data collection included questionnaires EORTCQLQ_C30.V.3 along with BR23.V.3 questionnaire belonging to the European Organization for Cancer Research and Treatment, respectively. In the implementation process, emotional disclosure group was trained for 4 sessions to impart unpleasant memories associated with the disease, and the control group did not receive any intervention.

  Results : The results of co-variance test showed that emotional disclosure in women with breast cancer improve quality of life on the components of physical function, cognitive, social, emotional, and general quality and symptoms but has no effect on sexual function and role playing elements, and there was no difference between mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and emotional disclosure.

  Conclusion : We can take advantage of these methods as complementary therapies in oncology centers along with medical treatment.

  SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2015: 26(6): 530 ISSN: 1027-3727