Risk factors for a decline in upper body function following treatment for early stage breast cancer

Purpose: To identify risk factors for a decline in upper body function foll owing treatment for early stage breast cancer. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study of 213 women gr eater than or equal to 55 years of age newly diagnosed with early stage bre ast cancer interviewed three to five months following their definitive surg ery. Patients were classified as having impaired upper body function relate d to their breast cancer treatment if: 1) they reported having no difficult y in performing any of three tasks requiring upper body function (pushing o r pulling large objects; lifting objects weighing more than 10 pounds; and reaching or extending arms above shoulder level) prior to treatment, but re ported that any of these tasks were somewhat or very difficult in the four weeks prior to interview, or 2) they reported that performing any of the th ree tasks requiring upper body function was somewhat difficult prior to tre atment, but reported that any of these tasks were very difficult in the fou r weeks prior to interview. Results: In multiple logistic regression models, both the extent and type o f primary tumor therapy and cardiopulmonary comorbidity were significantly associated with a decline in upper body function following breast cancer tr eatment. Conclusion: Given the critical importance of upper body function in maintai ning independent living, clinicians should consider the functional conseque nces of treatment when they discuss treatment options and post-operative ca re with older women who have early stage breast cancer.