Abstract: Objective To study the quality of life (QOL) of patientswith ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and to analyze the relevant factors affecting their QOL. Methods A total of 84 patients with DCIS and 125 patients with invasive breast cancer were surveyed. Researchers used SF-36 to assess the QOL of participants at one year after operation. Some information of patients were analyzed the relationship to SF-36 score, such as age, the type of surgery, endocrine therapy, education, marital status, working status and health insurance. Results Compared to normal women, patients with DCIS had lower QOL in physical function (P=0.029), bodily pain (P=0.039), general health (P=0.033) and mental health (P=0.003). Patients with invasive breast cancer also had poorer QOL in physical function (P=0.002), bodily pain (P=0.002), vitality (P=0.002), general health (P=0.002) and mental health (P=0.001). QOL of DCIS patients were similar to that of invasive breast cancer patients, except that score of physical function (P=0.032) and vitality (P=0.040) were better in DCIS patients. Endocrine therapy significantly affected the score of QOL of DCIS patients. DCIS patients with endocrine therapy had poorer score in physical function (P=0.034), bodily pain (P=0.046), general health (P=0.031), vitality (P=0.042) and mental health (P=0.002). Conclusion Patients with DCIS have poor QOL at one year after operation. Endocrine therapy significantly reduces their QOL.

Key words: Breast neoplasms, Carcinoma, intraductal, noninfiltrating, Quality of life, SF-36