Abstract

The identification of factors that are related to return to work after surgery for breast cancer could help healthcare professionals accurately identify patients at risk of return to work-related difficulties in order to provide them with appropriate support during breast cancer management. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to return to work in breast cancer patients three months after axillary lymph node dissection. Seventy-three women who were working before the surgery were evaluated. Age, body mass index, level of lymph node dissection, marital status, children, co-resident household members, preoperative chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative hormonal therapy, postoperative radiotherapy, shoulder range of motion, upper limb function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand; DASH), and work were evaluated. Patients who had returned to work constituted the return to work group, and those who had not returned to work constituted the no return to work group. Of the patients, 36 returned to work at three months. Logistic regression analysis including the five variables showed that shoulder flexion range of motion and DASH were significantly associated with return to work (p < 0.05). The observation that the symptoms and limitations of upper limb function and shoulder flexion range of motion affect return to work may indicate the importance of postoperative rehabilitation in breast cancer patients following axillary lymph node dissection.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.