Long-term Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment

AbstractThe impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) on long-term quality of life is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of BCRL on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) up to 10 years after breast cancer treatment. This regional population-based study enrolled patients treated for breast cancer with axillary lymph node dissection between January 1st 2007 and December 31th 2017. Follow up and assessments of the included patients were conducted between January 2019 and May 2020. The study outcome was HRQoL, evaluated with the Lymphedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire and the Short Form (36) Health Survey Questionnaire. Multivariate linear logistic regression models adjusted for confounders provided mean score differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals in each HRQoL scale and item. This study enrolled 244 patients with BCRL and 823 patients without BCRL. Patients with BCRL had significantly poorer HRQoL than patients without BCRL in 16 out of 18 HRQoL subscales, for example, in physical function (MDs 27, 95%CI: 24; 30), mental health (MDs 24, 95%CI: 21; 27) and social role functioning (MDs 20, 95%CI: 17; 23). Age, BMI, BCRL severity, hand and dominant arm affection had only minor impact on HRQoL (MDs < 5), suggesting a high degree of inter-individual variation in coping with lymphedema. This study showed that BCRL is associated with long-term impairments in HRQoL, especially affecting the physical and psychosocial domains. Surprisingly, BCRL diagnosis rather than clinical severity drove the largest impairments in HRQoL.

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Is Fatigue a Long-term Side Effect of Breast Cancer Treatment?

Cancer Control ◽

10.1177/107327489900600304 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 256-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Paul B. Jacobsen ◽

Kevin Stein

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Side Effect ◽

Breast Cancer Treatment

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Livelihood vs. Life: The Occupational Well-Being of Women Musician Survivors of Breast Cancer

Medical Problems of Performing Artists ◽

10.21091/mppa.2012.1004 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 15-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sarah Schmalenberger ◽

Charles E Gessert ◽

Jean E Giebenhain ◽

Lisa D Starr

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Side Effects ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Body Movement ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Breast Cancer Treatment ◽

Upper Body ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Cancer Treatments

The Life and Livelihood Study was designed to describe and understand the experience of women musicians treated for breast cancer. This report focuses on Phase I of the study, a web-based survey that examined subjects’ physical symptoms and side effects following breast cancer treatment. Subjects were recruited nationally, using advertisements in musicians’ publications and presentations at national meetings. Subjects were asked about specific side effects or symptoms they had experienced, their severity and duration, and the effects of symptoms on their capacity to make music. Subjects were also asked what aspect of their breast cancer treatment they associated with each symptom and were invited to provide comments. A total of 321 individuals logged on: 100 met all inclusion criteria. Of these, 90 completed the entire survey. Commonly reported symptoms included fatigue (70%), problems with cognition (53%), limitations in upper body movement (51%), and pain (45%). Many reported that their symptoms were of moderate or greater intensity, and that they persisted for >12 months or were ongoing. The survey documented that many subjects experienced diminished capacity to function as musicians, especially due to pain, limitations in upper body and extremity movement, numbness in the chest and/or arms, contracture/fibrosis, and shortness of breath. These findings are consistent with emerging studies that describe long-term effects of breast cancer treatments. In planning for breast cancer treatment, rehabilitation and survivorship, consideration should be given to how treatment is likely to affect fitness for ongoing professional work.

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