Fig. 1

Mean scores for EORTC QLQ-BR23 scales by country and for EU5: a functional scales, b symptom scales. Each scale has a score range of 0–100, with higher scores representing a better level of functioning or greater symptom severity. Differences between countries p < 0.001 (Kruskal–Wallis test) for all scale scores except for sexual enjoyment (p = 0.494) and future perspective (p = 0.286). Comparisons of mean scores for EU5 vs Reference values for women aged 60–69 years and with recurrent/metastatic breast cancer (taken from Scott et al. [35]) are shown as *p < 0.05, **p < 0.001 (Students t-test). BC, breast cancer; EORTC QLQ-BR23, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire- 23-item breast cancer-specific module; EU5, European Union 5; NS, not significant; UK, United Kingdom; SD, standard deviation