Lymphedema and quality of life in Chinese women after treatment for breast cancer |
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| Authors: | S.S. Mak K.F. Mo J.J.S. Suen S.L. Chan W.L. Ma W. Yeo |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Departamento de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;2. Laboratorio de Hemodinámica y Cardiología Intervencionista, Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain;3. Fundación Renal “Iñigo Alvarez de Toledo”, Madrid, Spain;1. Gynaecological Cancers Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia;2. School of Public Health and Social Work, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia;3. Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, c/o Royal Brisbane and Women''s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia;4. School of Medicine, Central Clinical Division, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia;5. Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia;6. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia;7. School of Women''s and Infants'' Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia;8. Sydney, NSW, Australia |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
AimsTo determine the magnitude of arm symptom-associated distress and quality of life in patients suffering from lymphedema after axillary dissection for breast cancer.Design and methodsTwo hundred and two breast cancer patients were interviewed, including 101 lymphedema cases and 101 controls who were matched in terms of surgery date, axillary radiotherapy and cancer stage. The FACT-B + 4 quality-of-life instrument was used to assess breast, emotional, functional, physical, and social well-being. A self-devised Arm Symptom Distress scale was used to collect information about arm morbidities including swelling, pain, numbness or tingling, limitation of movement, infection; and their interference on daily life. Arm circumference at different levels was measured to determine the presence and severity of lymphedema. The association between lymphedema and quality of life was evaluated, controlling for patient demographics and clinical factors.ResultsCompared with controls, individuals with lymphedema had a significantly worse score on FACT-B + 4 and the Arm Symptom Distress scale. The score was significantly lower in five of the six domains of FACT-B + 4, and significantly higher in both subscales of the Arm Symptom Distress scale. Patients with severe lymphedema had a significantly worse Symptom Severity sub-score on the Arm Symptom Distress scale than those with mild lymphedema.ConclusionsAmong women who have undergone axillary dissection for breast cancer, lymphedema was associated with an inferior quality of life and a higher level of arm symptom-associated distress. Patients with severe lymphedema had more arm symptom-associated distress than those with mild lymphedema. |
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