Breast Cancer Survival In Women Research Articles

Estudio longitudinal del crecimiento postraumatico y la calidad de vida en mujeres supervivientes de cancer de mama

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between posttraumatic growth (CPT) and Quality of Life (QoL) in a sample of women survivors of Breast Cancer, over three years after completion of treatment. Method: A sample of outpatients (N=156) completed the Argentinean adaptation of Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Scale for the evaluation of chronic disease (FACIT-B). A longitudinal descriptive correlational study with a non-experimental design was used. The psychometric properties of the questionnaires used in the sample were evaluated. Pearson correlation was used to relate the two constructs and the Friedman test for assessing the existence of significant differences in the values of CPT and CV over time. Results: The median age was 60,7 (DT=9,0). The 54,5%, 50% and 53.9% of participants had moderate to high CPT in the first, second and third visits respectively. There were no significant differences among the three views (PTGI Total p=0,153). The highest levels of CPT are associated with better CV. This relationship is also maintained in the first visit (r =0,227; p=0,022), second (r=0,317; p=0,001) and third (r=0,304; p=0,002). CV was deficient and decreased over time. Conclusions: The CPT remained stable. It was found positive relations between the CPT and the CV, which were maintained over time.

Posttraumatic Growth in Women Survivors of Breast Cancer.

Aim:The aim of the study was to understand the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in women survivors of breast cancer from an Indian perspective.Settings and Design:It was a mixed method, cross-sectional, and exploratory design wherein in-depth qualitative data covering a broader area of experiences were gathered from a sub-section of the larger quantitative sample (n = 50). The qualitative sample consisted of 15 Indian women from urban communities of Southern and Eastern India. Sampling method was purposive in nature.Subjects and Methods:Semi-structured interview schedule was developed by researchers based on a review of literature. In-depth interviews were audio recorded after their permissions were obtained and carried out at homes and offices of participants. All participants spoke English. Qualitative data were collected until no new phenomenological information emerged through the interviews.Data Management and Analysis:Descriptive phenomenological approach was utilized to analyze the interview data. It focuses on understanding one's life experience from the first person's point of view.Results:Consistent with other literature, PTG was evident in varying forms through positive changes in perspective toward life, better understanding of self, closer, and warmer relationships, and richer spiritual dimension of life.Conclusions:These findings have implications for promoting holistic cancer care and identifying ways to promote PTG through the initial stages of cancer care into survivorship trajectory.

Complicações músculo-esqueléticas crónicas nas mulheres sobreviventes de cancro da mama

Women diagnosed with breast cancer, have seen a significant increase in life expectancy in recent years. However, many of these women are living with chronic complications resulting from treatment. The aim of this study is to characterize musculos- keletal complications (MC) in breast cancer survivors, and emphasize the need to develop preventive therapies for these complications. Methods - Ninety four women survivors of breast cancer answered a questionnaire about potential MC. Results - The association between age and lymphedema (p=0.004), arm pain (AP) (p=0.000), shoulder pain (SP) (p=0.004), difficulty in raising the arm (DRA) ( p=0.022) and neck pain (NP) (p=0.000) sho- wed a higher incidence in women over 50 years. Women whith lymphadenectomy sho- wed higher incidence of lymphedema (p=0.000), AP (p=0.000), SP (p=0.008). Regarding survival, it was found that women over 10 years of survival have more MC. Mastectomi- zed women are more likely to have lymphedema (p=0.012), AP (p=0.020), SP (p=0.003), DRA (p=0.037) and NP. Conclusion - In our study women over 50 years, women with lymphadenectomy and with over 10 years of survival after treatment of breast cancer and

Abstract B32: Serum adipokines and inflammatory markers in Hispanic breast cancer survivors

Abstract Objective: Physical activity can improve breast cancer survivor's physical and emotional well-being while reducing their risk of other chronic diseases and breast cancer recurrence. Although the exact biological mechanisms responsible for the decrease in breast cancer recurrence in those patients that exercise are not known, it is postulated that physical activity modulates serum markers of adiposity and inflammation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in adipokines and inflammatory markers in a group of Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors who participated in a 16-week exercise intervention. Methods: The study recruited 38 women breast cancer survivors who were at least 3 months post treatment (surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy) and were not meeting current recommended physical activity guidelines according to ACSM. The study randomly assigned participants to a control group (no exercise; n=11), an intervention group that received culturally adapted written exercise materials (n=13), and an exercise control group (n=14) who received an exercise intervention that was not culturally tailored. Demographic and anthropometric data was obtained at baseline and at the end of the intervention. A fasting peripheral blood sample was obtained at baseline and at the end of the 16-week intervention. The serum was isolated by means of gradient centrifugation and stored at -80°C. Serum levels of Adiponectin, Leptin, IL-6 and C-reactive protein were measured by ELISA. One-way repeated measures ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis test was utilized to compare differences among baseline and 16-weeks values. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata for Windows release 12.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas). Results: Thirty-eight patients completed both baseline and 16 week assessments (11 controls; 14 in standard intervention, 13 in culturally tailored intervention. The mean age was 58 years (range 27-80). Most of the participants were overweight/obese (89%) with a mean BMI of 32.7 (21.3-51.6). Mean Leptin serum levels were 31.6 ng/mL (5.1-63.3 ng/mL ng/mL). Mean serum C-reactive protein levels were 4.15 ug/mL (0.5-8.7 ug/mL). Mean serum Adiponectin levels were 30.6 ng/mL (2.4-105.3 ng/mL). Mean serum IL-6 levels were 2.42 (0.7-10.2 pg/mL). At the end of the 16 week period, no differences (p > 0.05) were found in BMI, or in the levels of the biological markers evaluated, leptin, adiponectin, IL-6 and C-reactive protein, when comparing to baseline neither in the control nor the interventions groups. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in BMI, adipokines and inflammatory biomarkers as a result of this intervention. However, this preliminary data reveals a population with increased BMI where exercise and nutritional interventions are needed. It must be noted that this is a pilot study were the numbers of participants is small and the follow-up period is short, thus a higher number of participants is needed to further define the efficacy of this intervention. Citation Format: Maribel Tirado-Gomez, Cristina Palacios, Alexis Ortiz, Daniel C. Hughes, Velda Gonzalez-Mercado, Liliana Vallejo, Jose Lozada, Karen Basen-Engquist. Serum adipokines and inflammatory markers in Hispanic breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B32.

Abstract B29: Differences in physical fitness, disability, and health-related quality of life between physical active and sedentary Hispanic breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background: Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality among Latina women in the US. Physical activity (PA) and exercise have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiometabolic diseases and cancer while improving individual fitness; disability and health related quality of life (HRQoL). However, Latinas, particularly those who speak only Spanish, have not been included in studies in sufficient numbers to identify factors to promote their participation in cancer prevention interventions. Purpose: To compare physical fitness, disability, and HRQoL between physically active and sedentary Hispanic breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 94 women (Age: 55.4 ± 9.9; BMI: 29.87 ± 5.62; ) from the Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX participating in Project VIVA! were recruited for this study. The VIVA! Program is a 16-week exercise intervention emphasizing in the minimum guidelines from The American College of Sports Medicine targeting aerobic endurance, muscular strength, balance, and muscle endurance. Participants visited the clinic for fitness testing and assessment of physical activity (PA), disability, and HRQoL through a battery of self-administered questionnaires previous to starting the intervention. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in the preferred language of the participant; English or Spanish. The physical fitness assessment included: anthropometrics (BMI & waist to hip ratio) measures, adiposity (% body fat) by skinfolds measurement, six-minute walk test (6MWT), lumbar and isquiotibial flexibility by sit-and-reach, grip strength by hand dynamometry, lower extremity endurance testing by sit-to-stand in 30 seconds, upper extremity, low back, and leg strength by Jackson strength testing protocol, shoulder range of motion (ROM) with inclinometer, and balance testing by a functional reach test. Upper and lower extremity function, joint motion and disability were assessed by The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH) and The Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively. HRQoL was measured by the short version of the QOL (SF-36) questionnaire. For physical activity analyses, sample was divided into two groups based on results from the IPAQ; those with less than 150 min/wk (n = 58) and those exceeding 150 min/wk (n = 36). For analyses of sedentary time, sample was also divided into two groups based on the IPAQ; those spending less than 180 min/day in sitting (n = 46) and those spending greater than 180 mins/day sitting (n = 45). Groups were compared for all variables using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: ANOVA for physical activity revealed that those participants engaging in more than 150 min/wk of PA have better 6MWT (p = 0.04) and 30-second sit-to-stand ( p = 0.027) results demonstrating greater cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance, respectively. Those participants spending less than 180 mins/day sitting exhibited better mental component scores in the SF-36 than those spending more time sitting (p = 0.012). Conclusion: It appears that meeting or exceeding the minimum recommended amount of PA and decreasing time spent in sedentary activities have positive physical fitness and HRQoL outcomes in Hispanic women breast cancer survivors. Even though the relationship between PA and sedentary behaviors with measures of physical fitness, disability, and HRQoL are difficult to establish, it is sound for clinicians to start considering PA as a preventive and rehabilitative strategy to improve breast cancer survivors HRQoL. Funding Sources: This project was partially supported by the Center for Energy Balance in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, Duncan Family Institute, and by the following NIH awards: U54 CA 96297; P30 CA016672; R25T CA057730; and K01 CA 134550. Citation Format: Alexis Ortiz, Maribel Tirado-Gomez, Daniel C. Hughes, Velda Gonzalez, Karen Basen-Engquist. Differences in physical fitness, disability, and health-related quality of life between physical active and sedentary Hispanic breast cancer survivors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B29.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Care: Targeting a Colorectal Cancer Education Intervention.

Breast cancer survivors are at risk of developing a second primary cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading second primary cancers, and it is often preventable. We developed a multi-component educational tool to inform and encourage women breast cancer survivors to engage in CRC screening. To assess the strengths and weakness of the tool and to improve the relevancy to the target audience, we convened four focus groups of women breast cancer survivors in Missouri. We also assessed the potential impact of the tool on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding CRC and collected information on the barriers to CRC screening through pre- and post-focus groups’ questionnaires. A total of 43 women breast cancer survivors participated and provided very valuable suggestions on design and content to update the tool. Through the process and comparing pre- and post-focus group assessments, a significantly higher proportion of breast cancer survivors strongly agreed or agreed that CRC is preventable (78.6% vs. 96.9%, p = 0.02) and became aware that they were at a slightly increased risk for CRC (18.6% vs. 51.7%, p = 0.003). The most cited barrier was the complexity of preparation for colonoscopy.

Sexual Self-schema, Perceptions of Breast Talk, and Physical Self-concept in Breast Cancer Survivor

The quality life of breast cancer survivors has been the psychology’s focus of attention. However, studies discussing their sexuality highlighted from the social psychology perspective are still not very much, especially in Indonesia. This study aimed to predict sexual self-schema of breast cancer survivors based on their perceptions of the breast talk and physical self-concept. This study used a predictive-correlational design and employed psychological scales measuring instruments, multiple linear regression data analysis technique as well as purposive sampling method. This study was conducted on 130 women breast cancer survivors (<em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 39.45 years old; <em>SD</em><sub>age</sub> = 3.542 years; all been married) in Special Capital Region of Jakarta - the capital city of Indonesia, and its surrounding areas (Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi). The study results showed that the perception of functional breast talk and physical self-concept are able to predict sexual self-schema in positive directions. Other perceptions of breast talk (medicalized, gendered, and sexualized breast talk) are not able to predict it. This study has important implications in order to improve the life quality of the survivors, namely by managing fair discourses about breast in the public and keeping the proper physical self-concept since the early stage of life.

Sexual Self-schema, Perceptions of Breast Talk, and Physical Self-concept in Breast Cancer Survivor

The quality life of breast cancer survivors has been the psychology’s focus of attention. However, studies discussing their sexuality highlighted from the social psychology perspective are still not very much, especially in Indonesia. This study aimed to predict sexual self-schema of breast cancer survivors based on their perceptions of the breast talk and physical self-concept. This study used a predictive-correlational design and employed psychological scales measuring instruments, multiple linear regression data analysis technique as well as purposive sampling method. This study was conducted on 130 women breast cancer survivors (<em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 39.45 years old; <em>SD</em><sub>age</sub> = 3.542 years; all been married) in Special Capital Region of Jakarta - the capital city of Indonesia, and its surrounding areas (Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi). The study results showed that the perception of functional breast talk and physical self-concept are able to predict sexual self-schema in positive directions. Other perceptions of breast talk (medicalized, gendered, and sexualized breast talk) are not able to predict it. This study has important implications in order to improve the life quality of the survivors, namely by managing fair discourses about breast in the public and keeping the proper physical self-concept since the early stage of life.

Lived experiences of breast cancer survivors after diagnosis, treatment and beyond: qualitative study.

BackgroundThe number of breast cancer survivors has increased since 1990 due to advances in biomedical technology that lead to an increase in early diagnosis and treatment. Research on survivorship has focused on the psychological and treatment aspects of the disease. The goal of this study was focused on exploring the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors from diagnosis, treatment and beyond.ObjectiveTo understand the lived experiences of women who are breast cancer survivors.Design, Setting and ParticipantsA purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit participants from two Missouri cancer centres. A total of 15 women breast cancer survivors were interviewed.FindingsThree major themes emerged that described the lived experiences of the women. These were factors from the diagnosis and treatment management impacting survivorship, relationship and support system and implication of survivorship. Participants noted that coping with the diagnosis and treatment was a stressful journey and required lots of adjustment and changes. Some developed various techniques such as journaling their activities which provided comfort. In addition, support from family was shared as the key which gave them strength and courage through the different stages of treatment. However, they found it difficult to articulate what survivorship meant.ConclusionUsing in‐depth interview techniques, this study shed light on the experiences of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and have completed treatment. They acknowledged frustration with their diagnosis and body changes. Support received from family and friends helped them cope through their treatment. However, they felt abandoned once the treatment phase was over and were uncertain what survivorhood meant to them.

Strategies Used by Breast Cancer Survivors to Address Work-Related Limitations During and After Treatment

BackgroundThe primary objective of this exploratory study was to delineate the broad range of adjustments women breast cancer survivors draw upon to minimize cancer-related limitations at the workplace. The study also analyzed whether survivors used strategies to address work-related limitations in isolation or in combination with other strategies, and whether they used formal or informal strategies. MethodsSemi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women who were employed at the time of diagnosis of breast cancer and who continued to work during treatment or returned to work. Interviews were conducted 3 to 24 months after diagnosis. An iterative process was used to systematically analyze the data (the transcripts) using qualitative methods. FindingsParticipants who worked during or after treatment adjusted their work schedule, performed fewer or other tasks, modified or changed their work environment, reduced non-work activities at the workplace, used cognitive prompts, and acted preemptively to make work tasks manageable after their return to work. Survivors used multiple adjustments and drew upon both formal and informal tactics to minimize or prevent cancer- or treatment-related effects from negatively affecting job performance. ConclusionsKnowledge about the broad range of both formal and informal strategies identified in this study may enable health care and social services providers, as well as cancer survivors and employers, to identify a wide range of specific strategies that may reduce the negative effects of work-related limitations in specific work settings. Insights gained from this analysis should inform future research on work and cancer survivorship.

Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican Women Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study at a General Hospital

ABSTRACTIntroduction:According to developed countries’ studies, in breast cancer survivors there is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome; however, in Mexico data is lacking about this issue.Goal:To explore if metabolic syndrome occurs in Mexican women survivors of breast cancer.Material and methods:At a second-level general hospital, women with breast cancer with a surviving >2 years were studied. The analysis involved their demographic and anthropometric features, blood pressure measurement, time of surviving, besides fasting blood levels of lipids and glucose.Results:The sample consisted of 100 women; 42% were obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). The sample´s mean age was 60 years with a mean surviving time of 6.5 years. Their mean glucose level was 122 mg/dL and triglycerides 202 mg/dL. There were 33% with blood pressure ≥130/85mm Hg or diagnosis of hypertension. Fifty-seven percent had glucose >99 mg/dL or diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and 58% had triglycerides >149 mg/dL. Metabolic syndrome occurred in 57% of obese women.Conclusion:Our results suggest that metabolic syndrome occurs in more than 50% of obese Mexican women survivors of breast cancer.

African-American Breast Cancer Survivors Participating in a Breast Cancer Support Group: Translating Research into Practice

Despite an overall decline in mortality, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death among African-American women. As such, clinicians should prepare to address the unique sociocultural and psychological concerns encountered by African-American women breast cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to examine, using qualitative methods, the main coping facilitators used by African-American women as they transition across the cancer continuum. The identification of these facilitators was then aligned with culturally sensitive interventions most useful with women coping with cancer along the cancer continuum. This was a secondary analysis of 20 videotaped stories of African-American breast cancer survivors collected as a part of the Washington University Center for Excellence in Cancer Communications project. The interview began with a discussion of how the survivor first became aware she had breast cancer, followed by a series of open-ended probes used to explore the following themes: coping, relationships, health care system experiences, follow-up care, and quality of life living with breast cancer. Survivors discussed their experiences and advice for targeting needs at each cancer stage from screening to diagnosis, treatment, and then survivorship. Survivor narratives point to key evidence-based clinical intervention strategies at each stage of the cancer trajectory. This study found that survivors see a cyclical cancer course, whereby African-American breast cancer survivors serve an important role in the lives of unscreened women, newly diagnosed women, and women in treatment.

Abstract B19: Improving initiation of adjuvant hormonal therapy in black women under 50 may contribute towards narrowing racial gaps in breast cancer

Abstract Background: The advent of adjuvant hormonal therapy has greatly improved breast cancer survival in women with hormonal receptor (HR) positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, racial disparities have been noted in both the uptake of adjuvant hormonal therapy and in women with HR positive breast cancer. Purpose: In a prospective study, we examined the influence of race, socio-cultural factors, and process of care factors on initiation of adjuvant hormonal therapy. Methods: Eligible women were newly diagnosed with invasive, non-metastatic hormonal receptor positive (HR) breast cancer. Socio-cultural and healthcare factors were collected via telephone surveys; clinical data were abstracted from charts. Stepwise logistic regression models examined associations between hormonal initiation and study factors. Results: The sample was 56% Black (n=150) and 44% White (n=120). Overall 70% initiated therapy with Black women <50 having the lowest rate of initiation (51%) among all Black and White age groups. A significant interaction (p= .002) was found between race and age so a stratified race – age composite variable was created. In multivariate models, Black women < 50 years were less likely to initiate therapy compared to Whites ≥50 (OR: .28; 95% CI: .10 to .82), whites <50 (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.68), or compared to blacks ≥50 (OR: .34; 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.96). Women reporting having higher ratings of financial access were more likely to initiate therapy as were those with higher ratings of communication with their providers. Conclusion: Attention to financial aspects of cancer care and patient-provider communication may be useful points of intervention to improve initiation in patients, particularly Black patients <50 years of age. Citation Format: Vanessa B. Sheppard, Claudine Isaacs, Mahlet G. Tadesse, Melissa Butler, Felicity Harper, Fikru Hirpa. Improving initiation of adjuvant hormonal therapy in black women under 50 may contribute towards narrowing racial gaps in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr B19.

The impact of pregnancy on breast cancer survival in women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation

Physicians are often approached by young women with a BRCA mutation and a recent history of breast cancer who wish to have a baby. They wish to know if pregnancy impacts upon their future risks of cancer recurrence and survival. To date, there is little information on the survival experience of women who carry a mutation in one of the BRCA genes and who become pregnant. From an international multi-center cohort study of 12,084 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, we identified 128 case subjects who were diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant or who became pregnant after a diagnosis of breast cancer. These women were age-matched to 269 mutation carriers with breast cancer who did not become pregnant (controls). Subjects were followed from the date of breast cancer diagnosis until the date of last follow-up or death from breast cancer. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 15-year survival rates. The hazard ratio for survival associated with pregnancy was calculated using a left-truncated Cox proportional hazard model, adjusting for other prognostic factors. Among women who were diagnosed with breast cancer when pregnant or who became pregnant thereafter, the 15-year survival rate was 91.5 %, compared to a survival of 88.6 % for women who did not become pregnant (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.76; 95 % CI 0.31-1.91; p = 0.56). Pregnancy concurrent with or after a diagnosis of breast cancer does not appear to adversely affect survival among BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

The Effects of Soy Consumption before Diagnosis on Breast Cancer Survival: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

This study tested the hypothesis that prediagnostic soy intake was inversely associated with all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality. The analyses included 3842 women in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) study of African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, Latinos, and Caucasians, who completed a quantitative food frequency questionnaire, aged ≥50 yr at cohort entry, and diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer following cohort entry (1993–2007). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for known clinical and lifestyle factors. During a mean follow-up after diagnosis of invasive breast cancer of 6.2 ± 3.8 yr, there were 804 deaths including 376 breast cancer-specific deaths. The HR (95%CI) for all-cause and breast cancer-specific morality comparing the highest versus lowest tertiles were 1.03 (0.81–1.33) and 1.03 (0.71–1.50) for soy products and 0.99 (0.82–1.20) and 0.95 (0.71–1.28) for total isoflavones, respectively (Ptrend > 0.60 for all). There was limited evidence of differences by hormone receptor status, tumor stage, or ethnic group. Prediagnostic soy intake was unrelated to mortality in postmenopausal women. Our findings are consistent with the literature that soy consumption does not adversely affect breast cancer survival in women.

Older Women Breast Cancer Survivors: Decision Making, Sources of Information and Wellness Activities in Malaysia

The purpose of this study ??s to profile older breast cancer survivors in Malaysia. In a survey study, ? custom made questionnaire was administered to 69 breast cancer patients and survivors between 60 and 84 years of age in Peninsular Malaysia. The main ethnic group recorded was Chinese, followed by Malay and Indian. The majority of women were married (87%) and had children (84.1%). Just over half (53.6%) had primary and secondary education, whereas 24.7% had higher education. Fifty five percent of the study participants made their own decision on treatment, 60.8% exercised at least 3 times in a week, and 56.6% sought information from specialists. Our study suggests that older breast cancer survivors are aware of the importance of exercise in their daily lives and make attempts to be cancer free (e.g. doing exercise, recreational activity and have good relationships with friends and family).

Explanatory factors of sexual function in sexual minority women breast cancer survivors

The sexual function of sexual minority women (women with female partners) who are breast cancer survivors is mostly unknown. Our objective is to identify explanatory factors of sexual function among sexual minority women with breast cancer and compare them with a control sample of sexual minority women without cancer. Using a conceptual framework that has previously been applied to heterosexual breast cancer survivors, we assessed the relationship of each explanatory factor to sexual function in sexual minority women. Using generalized estimating equations, we identified explanatory factors of sexual function and identified differences by case and control status. Self-perception of greater sexual attractiveness and worse urogenital menopausal symptoms explain 44% of sexual function, after controlling for case and control status. Focusing only on partnered women, 45% of sexual function was explained by greater sexual attractiveness, postmenopausal status, and greater dyadic cohesion. All of the relevant explanatory factors for sexual function among sexual minority survivors are modifiable as has been suggested for heterosexual survivors. Sexual minority survivors differ from heterosexual survivors in that health-related quality of life is less important as an explanatory factor. These findings can guide adaptation of interventions for sexual minority survivors.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal women breast cancer survivors compared to postmenopausal women without breast cancer. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 104 women breast cancer survivors were compared with 208 postmenopausal women (control), seeking healthcare at a University Hospital. Eligibility criteria included women with amenorrhea> 12 months and age 45 years, treated for breast cancer and no recorrences for at least five years. The control group consisted of women with amenorrhea> 12 months and age 45 years without breast cancer matched by age, in proportion 1:2. Dates on clinical antecedents and anthropometric indicators were collected. The biochemical parameters, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP), were measured. MetS was diagnosed as the presence of at least three components among: waist circumference (WC) 88cm, blood pressure 130/85mmHg, triglycerides 150mg/dl, HDL 88 cm) affecting 62.5% of women breast cancer survivors and 67.8% of control group. Women breast cancer survivors had a higher risk for metabolic syndrome (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04-2.68), dysglycemia (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.09- 3.03) and hypertension (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.02-2.89) compared to women without breast cancer. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated an association between the metabolic syndrome, obesity and breast cancer patients treated in postmenopausal women. The risk of postmenopausal patients treated for breast cancer to develop metabolic syndrome, hypertension and dysglycemia was higher when compared to age-matched women without the disease. MetS was present in 50% of patients treated for breast cancer and 37.5% in the control group. Among the criteria used for diagnosis of MS, the most common among patients treated for breast cancer were central obesity (62.5%) and hipetrigliceridemia (45.2%). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women breast cancer survivors had higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to women without breast cancer.

381 Living with Lymphoedema: a Qualitative Exploration of Prospective Non-compliance with Conservative Treatment in Women Survivors of Breast Cancer

381 Living with Lymphoedema: a Qualitative Exploration of Prospective Non-compliance with Conservative Treatment in Women Survivors of Breast Cancer

Invariance Testing of the SF-36 Health Survey in Women Breast Cancer Survivors: Do Personal and Cancer-related Variables Influence the Meaning of Quality of Life Items?

Quality of life (QoL) is affected by issues specific to illness trajectory and thus, may differ, and potentially take on different meanings, at different stages in the cancer process. A widely used measure of QoL is the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36; Ware 1993); therefore, support for its appropriateness in a given population is imperative. The current study aimed to examine the conceptual (measurement) model of the SF-36, as well as closely related models, and test the measurement invariance of the SF-36 to determine if meaningful comparisons could be made among three groups of breast cancer survivors (N = 358 (data collected in 2007-2008); divided on time since treatment, type of treat- ment, and age). Good model fit was found for one of three models based on the original design of this instrument—the items to subscales model. Two models were considered for measurement invariance testing: (a) items to physical health/mental health and (b) items to subscales. Strong invariance was found for time since treatment and type of treatment for both models. Weak invariance was found for age in the first model, while strict invariance was confirmed for the subscales model. Group comparisons in QoL were made where justified. Significant differences were found only on age for physical functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems, vitality, mental health, and social functioning. Overall, results suggest that while the SF-36 can be used to examine differences in QoL for various breast cancer survivors, some conceptual issues with this instrument need to be further examined.