Ra. Silliman et al., Risk factors for a decline in upper body function following treatment for early stage breast cancer, BREAST CANC, 54(1), 1999, pp. 25-30
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.