scholarly journals Prevalence and associations of axillary web syndrome in Asian women after breast cancer surgery undergoing a community-based cancer rehabilitation program

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Rong Jie Tay ◽  
Chin Jung Wong ◽  
Hui Zhen Aw
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Surgery ◽  
Breast Cancer Surgery ◽  
Asian Women ◽  
Rehabilitation Center ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Axillary Web Syndrome

Abstract Background Patients who have breast cancer surgery are at risk of axillary web syndrome (AWS), an under-recognized postsurgical complication which can result in shoulder morbidity and functional impairment. Emerging studies have indicated that AWS may persist beyond the first few months after surgery, although few studies have assessed the prevalence and association of AWS beyond a year after diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associations for AWS in post-operative breast cancer patients up to 3 years after surgery. Methods This cross sectional observational study was conducted at a community-based cancer rehabilitation center. Patients were evaluated for the presence of AWS via physical examination. Disease-related data was obtained from clinical review and medical records. Descriptive statistics were utilized to illustrate patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations of AWS. Results There were 111 Asian women who were recruited, who had undergone breast surgery and were referred to a national outpatient rehabilitation center. The prevalence of AWS in this population was 28.9%. In the multivariate regression model, significant factors were age < 50 years (OR = 3.51; 95% CI = 1.12–11.0; p = 0.031) and ALND (OR = 6.54; 95% CI = 1.36–31.3; p = 0.019). There was reduced shoulder flexion ROM (p < 0.001) in patients with AWS compared to patients without AWS. Conclusions A high prevalence of AWS was reported in breast cancer survivors even at 3 years after breast surgery. Our findings highlight the need to identify breast cancer survivors with AWS even in the survivorship phase, and develop strategies to raise awareness and minimize functional impairment in these patients.

Experiences of Asian Women Who Live in Urban Environments and Are Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
pp. 104365962098877
Author(s):  
Carolee Polek ◽  
Thomas Hardie ◽  
Janet A. Deatrick
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Asian Women ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Outreach Workers

Introduction Despite expanding interest in cancer survivorship, little is known about urban Asian breast cancer survivors whose experience may differ from those in suburban and rural locations. This study explores survivors’ challenges to maximize outcomes and identify common and unique themes among urban Asian survivors. Information was obtained from the survivors and outreach workers from their community. Methodology Descriptive qualitative methods including semistructured interview guides were used to plan, conduct, and analyze both individual interviews of Asian women ( n = 6) and a focus group ( n = 7) composed of community outreach workers. Results The interview and focus group findings, endorsed themes of communication/language, trust, and privacy, with generational differences. Poor health literacy in both survivors and providers was identified. Discussion Nurses are in a unique position to use the themes identified to both assist survivors expand their health literacy and lobby for resources for providers to promote culturally congruent care.

Community Based Psychosocial Education Can Improve Mood Disturbance in Breast Cancer Survivors at Various Stages of Their Recovery

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 730-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Kokavec
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Mood Disturbance ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Severe Group

Background: Psychosocial distress can contribute to avoidance, refusal, or discontinuation of cancer treatment, which could impact recovery and survival. Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community based psychosocial program on alleviating mood disturbance in breast cancer survivors at different stages of their breast cancer journey. Method: A total of 37 women participated in an 8-week psychosocial program at their local community centre. The weekly 3-hour program was delivered in a small group format. Program components included health education, behavioural training, cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy and stress-management. Questionnaires aimed at assessing psychiatric morbidity and mood adjustment were administered at the beginning of the program (Pre) and at the completion of the program (Post). Results: Group data revealed a significant reduction in psychiatric morbidity and improved psychological adjustment. When participants were divided into degree of psychiatric morbidity (mild, moderate, severe, very severe) a significant reduction in the reporting of anxiety symptoms in the mild, moderate, severe and very severe groups was reported; depression symptoms in the severe and very severe groups were noted, and anger, confusion and somatic symptoms in the mild group were noted. The level of activity was also significantly improved in the very severe group. Conclusions: A structured community based psychosocial program is beneficial to women struggling to come to terms with the emotional consequences of breast cancer at all stages of recovery.

scholarly journals Effects Of A Community-Based Lifestyle Intervention On Resistance Training And Balance Outcomes Among Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (8S) ◽  
pp. 481-481
Author(s):  
Zachary L. Chaplow ◽  
Marcy L. Haynam ◽  
Victoria R. DeScenza ◽  
Jessica Bowman ◽  
Kathryn Dispennette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Community Based

Patient-reported pain and other symptoms among breast cancer survivors: prevalence and risk factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (6) ◽  
pp. 480-490
Author(s):  
Michele Divella ◽  
Luigi Vetrugno ◽  
Serena Bertozzi ◽  
Luca Seriau ◽  
Carla Cedolini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Tissue ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Breast Cancer Surgery ◽  
Patient Reported

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with chronic pain and other symptoms related to breast cancer 6 months after surgery. Methods: In an observational study of 261 female breast cancer survivors treated between January 2017 and January 2018, patients were asked about their pain symptoms using a questionnaire that utilized the Numeric Rating Score (NRS) and the Douleur Neuropathique Score (DN4) for neuropathic pain; it also addressed phantom sensations and functional disorders on the ipsilateral shoulder. A total of 218 women completed the survey. Results: A total of 105 patients (48.17%) reported chronic pain. Of these, 64% rated the pain with an NRS of 1–3 and 35% with an NRS >3. Neuropathic pain was reported in 65% of the sample, phantom sensations in 12%, disorders of shoulder function in 16%, and web syndrome in 2%. Multivariable analyses showed that chronic pain (odds ratio [OR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.094–5.942; p < 0.05) and neuropathic pain (OR, 2.988; 95% CI, 1.366–6.537; p < 0.05) were positively associated with surgical adverse events; phantom sensations were statistically associated with the weight of removed breast tissue (OR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.001–1.005; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study highlights the need to employ specific tools capable of detecting different kinds of chronic pain after breast cancer surgery to improve pain prevention and treatment. Surgical complications and the weight of removed breast tissue emerged as 2 of the risk factors for chronic and neuropathic pain development in breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Does a Community-Based Stress Management Intervention Affect Psychological Adaptation Among Underserved Black Breast Cancer Survivors?

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 (50) ◽  
pp. 315-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne C. Lechner ◽  
Nicole E. Whitehead ◽  
Sara Vargas ◽  
Debra W. Annane ◽  
Belinda R. Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Psychological Adaptation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Stress Management Intervention

What I wish I had known: Young breast cancer survivors reflect on their experiences after breast cancer surgery.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 180-180
Author(s):  
Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽  
Mary Greaney ◽  
Andrea Farkas Patenaude ◽  
Meghan E Meyer ◽  
Ann H. Partridge
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Breast Cancer Surgery ◽  
Bilateral Mastectomy ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Young Survivors ◽  
Young Breast Cancer

180 Background: Breast cancer (BC) surgery can have a profound impact on aspects of quality of life (QOL) particularly for young breast cancer survivors, given their life stage. Using a series of focus groups (FG), we explored post-surgical experiences of young survivors who had elected lumpectomy, unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. Methods: Women who had surgery for their stage 0-3 BC and who were 1-3 years from their diagnosis (dx) at age ≤ 40 were recruited to participate. We conducted 4 FG: 2 with women who had bilateral mastectomy, 2 with women who kept their contralateral breast. FG were recorded and transcribed with identifiers removed. FG transcripts were coded using NVivo, and emergent themes were identified by thematic content analysis. At the end of the FG, participants completed a demographic/medical history survey. Results: Of 20 participants (4-6 per FG), median age at dx was 37 yrs; 10% (2/20) identified as Hispanic; most (19/20) were married/partnered; 70% had Stage 1 (4/20) or 2 (10/20) disease. Almost all women who had mastectomies also had reconstruction. Emergent themes included: the unexpectedness of certain physical experiences post-surgery (e.g., surgical drains, pain, numbness), psychological impact of surgery (e.g., vulnerability, self image changes), and short and long-term adjustment to a “new normal”, irrespective of which surgery they had. While participants generally felt their doctors communicated key information about surgery and recovery, some expressed dissatisfaction with how this information was communicated, including feeling pressured to choose a particular surgical option. Conclusions: Young BC survivors have many physical and emotional concerns after BC surgery for which they may not feel prepared. Communicating balanced and relevant information prior to surgery about what to expect afterwards is essential and can potentially help survivors with their transition to a “new normal,” as they move from active treatment to survivorship. Informational resources and decision aids may enhance patient-doctor communication in this setting and help young survivors manage expectations surrounding short and longer-term physical and emotional effects after surgery.

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