Patient characteristics and treatments associated with a decline in upper-body function following breast cancer therapy

Abstract

Breast cancer therapy is often followed by a decline in upper-body function. Women (303) diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer were interviewed 5 and 21 months after surgery and their medical records were reviewed. Women with cardiopulmonary comorbidity had an odds ratio for decline at the 5-month interview of 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–5.7), relative to women without. Women who received mastectomy (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 0.9–6.7) or breast-conserving surgery with radiation therapy (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.0–8.9) were at higher risk for decline at the 5-month interview than women who received only breast-conserving surgery. Women who had axillary dissection were more likely to report numbness or pain in the axilla (OR = 6.4; 95% CI 1.2–33) at the 21-month interview than women who did not. Clinicians should consider the functional consequences of treatment when discussing treatment options and postoperative care with women who have early stage breast cancer.