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

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-mo nth 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 surger y 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-conse rving 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 i nterview than women who did not. Clinicians should consider the functional consequences of treatment when discussing treatment options and postoperati ve care with women who have early stage breast cancer. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Inc. All rights reserved.