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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

Upper-body morbidity following breast cancer treatment is common, may persist longer-term and adversely influences quality of life

Authors: Sandra C Hayes, Sheree Rye, Diana Battistutta, Tracey DiSipio, Beth Newman

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Background

Impairments in upper-body function (UBF) are common following breast cancer. However, the relationship between arm morbidity and quality of life (QoL) remains unclear. This investigation uses longitudinal data to describe UBF in a population-based sample of women with breast cancer and examines its relationship with QoL.

Methods

Australian women (n = 287) with unilateral breast cancer were assessed at three-monthly intervals, from six- to 18-months post-surgery (PS). Strength, endurance and flexibility were used to assess objective UBF, while the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast questionnaire were used to assess self-reported UBF and QoL, respectively.

Results

Although mean UBF improved over time, up to 41% of women revealed declines in UBF between six- and 18-months PS. Older age, lower socioeconomic position, treatment on the dominant side, mastectomy, more extensive lymph node removal and having lymphoedema each increased odds of declines in UBF by at least two-fold (p < 0.05). Lower baseline and declines in perceived UBF between six- and 18-months PS were each associated with poorer QoL at 18-months PS (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Significant upper-body morbidity is experienced by many following breast cancer treatment, persisting longer term, and adversely influencing the QoL of breast cancer survivors.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Upper-body morbidity following breast cancer treatment is common, may persist longer-term and adversely influences quality of life
Authors: Sandra C Hayes
Sheree Rye
Diana Battistutta
Tracey DiSipio
Beth Newman
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-8-92

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Upper-body morbidity following breast cancer treatment is common, may persist longer-term and adversely influences quality of life

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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