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Johnson MC, McGregor AH, A'Hern R, Leff DR, Wells M. 'I presumed the pain would eventually get better by itself'; challenges with access to rehabilitation for upper limb dysfunction after breast cancer treatment - Descriptive and qualitative findings from a cross-sectional survey. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2024; 50:108591. [PMID: 39146662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.108591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sixty percent of breast cancer patients develop persistent upper limb pain and dysfunction, but only limited knowledge exists about how these symptoms relate to rehabilitation access. METHODS A postal survey was sent to patients treated at a London University Teaching Hospital (2018-2020). Data were collected on pain (Pain Detect), shoulder function (Disability of Shoulder Arm and Hand (DASH)), quality-of-life (QoL) (EQ-5D-5L), and clinical characteristics, including treatment and access to rehabilitation. The free-text section invited patients' comments on upper limb symptoms and management strategies, which were analysed thematically. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and the medians were examined with Mann-Whitley U-Tests or Kruskal-Wallis Test. RESULTS Of 511 patients surveyed, 162 (32 %) questionnaires were returned and analysed. Respondents' mean age was 62 years (SD 11.3). The majority had Sentinel Node Biopsy 71 % (116/162) and mastectomy 61 % (99/162). 73 % (119/162) reported pain. Mean (SD) Pain Detect and DASH Score were respectively 11.07 (7) and 21.7 (21.5), with 51 % recording significant shoulder dysfunction, and only 28 % reporting access to rehabilitation. Individuals with neuropathic pain had significantly higher median (range) DASH score 60.8 (35.8, 75.0) p = 0.000. Median DASH score for sedentary individuals was significantly higher 22.9 (7.9, 31.8) p = 0.0009. Free-text analysis revealed persistent, progressive symptoms, mixed attitudes towards exercise and variations in access to rehabilitation and support. CONCLUSION Two years following surgery many patients reported significant upper limb symptoms which adversely impact on QoL. However, approximately two thirds did not access potentially beneficial rehabilitation treatments. There is a need to improve pathways of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roger A'Hern
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Daniel Richard Leff
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK; Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Mary Wells
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK; Nursing Directorate, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Howe L, Husband A, Robinson‐Barella A. Prescribing pre- and post-operative physical activity interventions for people undergoing breast cancer surgery: A qualitative systematic review. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7063. [PMID: 38457236 PMCID: PMC10923032 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Undertaking physical activity, pre- and post-operatively, can benefit recovery time and improve post-surgical outcomes. One cohort of patients that have reported these benefits are those undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Yet, what remains unclear is the level to which physical activity interventions are implemented into standard surgical care for patients with breast cancer. AIMS This systematic review aimed to examine existing qualitative evidence focusing on pre- and post-operative physical activity interventions to better understand the benefits and shortcomings of physical activity within the surgical journey. METHODS A systematic literature search was undertaken in November 2022, across five databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus. Qualitative studies involving people with breast cancer who had undertaken a physical activity intervention, either pre- and/or post-operatively, were included for analysis. The review was registered on PROSPERO: CRD42022372466 and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative study checklist was used to assess study quality. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included, comprising the perspectives of 418 people receiving surgery for breast cancer. One study implemented preoperative physical activity interventions; the remaining studies focused on post-operative interventions. A narrative systematic review was undertaken due to heterogeneity in reported results. Four themes were developed by thematic analysis, centring on: (1) factors promoting engagement with physical activity interventions; (2) factors preventing engagement with physical activity interventions; (3) the impact of pre- and post-operative interventions on physical and psychological health; and (4) participant recommendations for pre- and post-operative interventions. CONCLUSION Pre- and post-operative physical activity interventions were well-accepted. Patients recognised factors which promoted or prevented engagement with interventions, as well as pre- and post-operative physical and psychological benefits that arose as a result. Evidence based co-design studies may further inform successful implementation of prescribed physical activity into standard care for surgical breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Howe
- School of Pharmacy, King George VI BuildingNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Andy Husband
- School of Pharmacy, King George VI BuildingNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Population Health Sciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - Anna Robinson‐Barella
- School of Pharmacy, King George VI BuildingNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Population Health Sciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
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Salati SA, Alsulaim L, Alharbi MH, Alharbi NH, Alsenaid TM, Alaodah SA, Alsuhaibani AS, Albaqami KA. Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e47384. [PMID: 38021812 PMCID: PMC10657609 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Postmastectomy pain syndrome is a very common disorder in breast cancer survivors. The impact on the quality of patients' lives is significantly adverse. The precise pathophysiology has not been determined as yet though various risk factors have been identified that make the patient vulnerable. Required preoperative work includes the identification and possible elimination of risk factors. Treatment is multidisciplinary involving surgical and non-surgical modalities. There is a great scope of research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Ahmad Salati
- General Surgery, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Lamees Alsulaim
- Surgery, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Mariyyah H Alharbi
- College of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Norah H Alharbi
- College of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Thana M Alsenaid
- College of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Shoug A Alaodah
- College of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Abdulsalam S Alsuhaibani
- College of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
| | - Khalid A Albaqami
- College of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine & Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU
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Dayan D, Leinert E, Singer S, Janni W, Kühn T, Flock F, Felberbaum R, Herbert SL, Wöckel A, Schwentner L. Association of social service counseling in breast cancer patients with financial problems, role functioning and employment-results from the prospective multicenter BRENDA II study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:541-547. [PMID: 35604446 PMCID: PMC9918582 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06604-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the relationship between social service counseling (SSC) and financial and role functioning problems in primary breast cancer (BC) patients over a 5-year observation period. METHODS In the multicenter prospective study, patients were approached before surgery (t1), before initiation of adjuvant treatment (t2), after therapy completion (t3), and 5 years after surgery (t4). We examined the proportion of BC survivors who had financial and role functioning problems and the proportion who were employed at t4. We examined how frequently patients were informed about, offered, or used SSC, and we used multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between this and financial and role functioning problem prevalence. RESULTS Of the 456 BC survivors, 33% had financial problems and 22% reported role functioning problems at t4. There was no evidence that women with increased financial problems were informed about SSC more often than those without (OR 1.1, p = 0.84) or that they used SSC more often (OR 1.3, p = 0.25). However, women with role functioning problems were informed about SSC significantly more often (OR 1.7, p = 0.02) and attended counseling significantly more often (OR 1.6, p = 0.03). Among participants aged < 65 years at t4 (n = 255), 70% were employed. Patients who had received SSC were more likely to be employed at t4 than patients who did not (OR 1.9, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION These findings underline the importance of SSC for BC patients with role functioning issues. They indicate that individuals who use SSC are more likely to be employed later on than individuals who do not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davut Dayan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Elena Leinert
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Singer
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Janni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thorsten Kühn
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Esslingen, Esslingen, Germany
| | - Felix Flock
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Memmingen, Memmingen, Germany
| | - Ricardo Felberbaum
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Kempten, Kempten, Germany
| | | | - Achim Wöckel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Schwentner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Ulm, Prittwitzstr. 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
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Bruce J, Mazuquin B, Mistry P, Rees S, Canaway A, Hossain A, Williamson E, Padfield EJ, Lall R, Richmond H, Chowdhury L, Lait C, Petrou S, Booth K, Lamb SE, Vidya R, Thompson AM. Exercise to prevent shoulder problems after breast cancer surgery: the PROSPER RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-124. [PMID: 35220995 DOI: 10.3310/jknz2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper limb problems are common after breast cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES To investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a structured exercise programme compared with usual care on upper limb function, health-related outcomes and costs in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. DESIGN This was a two-arm, pragmatic, randomised controlled trial with embedded qualitative research, process evaluation and parallel economic analysis; the unit of randomisation was the individual (allocated ratio 1 : 1). SETTING Breast cancer centres, secondary care. PARTICIPANTS Women aged ≥ 18 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and were at higher risk of developing shoulder problems. Women were screened to identify their risk status. INTERVENTIONS All participants received usual-care information leaflets. Those randomised to exercise were referred to physiotherapy for an early, structured exercise programme (three to six face-to-face appointments that included strengthening, physical activity and behavioural change strategies). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was upper limb function at 12 months as assessed using the Disabilities of Arm, Hand and Shoulder questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were function (Disabilities of Arm, Hand and Shoulder questionnaire subscales), pain, complications (e.g. wound-related complications, lymphoedema), health-related quality of life (e.g. EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version; Short Form questionnaire-12 items), physical activity and health service resource use. The economic evaluation was expressed in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year and incremental net monetary benefit gained from an NHS and Personal Social Services perspective. Participants and physiotherapists were not blinded to group assignment, but data collectors were blinded. RESULTS Between 2016 and 2017, we randomised 392 participants from 17 breast cancer centres across England: 196 (50%) to the usual-care group and 196 (50%) to the exercise group. Ten participants (10/392; 3%) were withdrawn at randomisation and 32 (8%) did not provide complete baseline data. A total of 175 participants (89%) from each treatment group provided baseline data. Participants' mean age was 58.1 years (standard deviation 12.1 years; range 28-88 years). Most participants had undergone axillary node clearance surgery (327/392; 83%) and 317 (81%) had received radiotherapy. Uptake of the exercise treatment was high, with 181 out of 196 (92%) participants attending at least one physiotherapy appointment. Compliance with exercise was good: 143 out of 196 (73%) participants completed three or more physiotherapy sessions. At 12 months, 274 out of 392 (70%) participants returned questionnaires. Improvement in arm function was greater in the exercise group [mean Disabilities of Arm, Hand and Shoulder questionnaire score of 16.3 (standard deviation 17.6)] than in the usual-care group [mean Disabilities of Arm, Hand and Shoulder questionnaire score of 23.7 (standard deviation 22.9)] at 12 months for intention-to-treat (adjusted mean difference Disabilities of Arm, Hand and Shoulder questionnaire score of -7.81, 95% confidence interval -12.44 to -3.17; p = 0.001) and complier-average causal effect analyses (adjusted mean difference -8.74, 95% confidence interval -13.71 to -3.77; p ≤ 0.001). At 12 months, pain scores were lower and physical health-related quality of life was higher in the exercise group than in the usual-care group (Short Form questionnaire-12 items, mean difference 4.39, 95% confidence interval 1.74 to 7.04; p = 0.001). We found no differences in the rate of adverse events or lymphoedema over 12 months. The qualitative findings suggested that women found the exercise programme beneficial and enjoyable. Exercise accrued lower costs (-£387, 95% CI -£2491 to £1718) and generated more quality-adjusted life years (0.029, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.056) than usual care over 12 months. The cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that exercise was more cost-effective and that the results were robust to sensitivity analyses. Exercise was relatively cheap to implement (£129 per participant) and associated with lower health-care costs than usual care and improved health-related quality of life. Benefits may accrue beyond the end of the trial. LIMITATIONS Postal follow-up was lower than estimated; however, the study was adequately powered. No serious adverse events directly related to the intervention were reported. CONCLUSIONS This trial provided robust evidence that referral for early, supported exercise after breast cancer surgery improved shoulder function in those at risk of shoulder problems and was associated with lower health-care costs than usual care and improved health-related quality of life. FUTURE WORK Future work should focus on the implementation of exercise programmes in clinical practice for those at highest risk of shoulder problems. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN35358984. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 15. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bruce
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Bruno Mazuquin
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Pankaj Mistry
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sophie Rees
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Alastair Canaway
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Anower Hossain
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Esther Williamson
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma J Padfield
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ranjit Lall
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Helen Richmond
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada
| | - Loraine Chowdhury
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Clare Lait
- Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katie Booth
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Bruce J, Mazuquin B, Canaway A, Hossain A, Williamson E, Mistry P, Lall R, Petrou S, Lamb SE, Rees S, Padfield E, Vidya R, Thompson AM. Exercise versus usual care after non-reconstructive breast cancer surgery (UK PROSPER): multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation. BMJ 2021; 375:e066542. [PMID: 34759002 PMCID: PMC8579424 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-066542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether a structured exercise programme improved functional and health related quality of life outcomes compared with usual care for women at high risk of upper limb disability after breast cancer surgery. DESIGN Multicentre, pragmatic, superiority, randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation. SETTING 17 UK National Health Service cancer centres. PARTICIPANTS 392 women undergoing breast cancer surgery, at risk of postoperative upper limb morbidity, randomised (1:1) to usual care with structured exercise (n=196) or usual care alone (n=196). INTERVENTIONS Usual care (information leaflets) only or usual care plus a physiotherapy led exercise programme, incorporating stretching, strengthening, physical activity, and behavioural change techniques to support adherence to exercise, introduced at 7-10 days postoperatively, with two further appointments at one and three months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disability of Arm, Hand and Shoulder (DASH) questionnaire at 12 months, analysed by intention to treat. Secondary outcomes included DASH subscales, pain, complications, health related quality of life, and resource use, from a health and personal social services perspective. RESULTS Between 26 January 2016 and 31 July 2017, 951 patients were screened and 392 (mean age 58.1 years) were randomly allocated, with 382 (97%) eligible for intention to treat analysis. 181 (95%) of 191 participants allocated to exercise attended at least one appointment. Upper limb function improved after exercise compared with usual care (mean DASH 16.3 (SD 17.6) for exercise (n=132); 23.7 (22.9) usual care (n=138); adjusted mean difference 7.81, 95% confidence interval 3.17 to 12.44; P=0.001). Secondary outcomes favoured exercise over usual care, with lower pain intensity at 12 months (adjusted mean difference on numerical rating scale -0.68, -1.23 to -0.12; P=0.02) and fewer arm disability symptoms at 12 months (adjusted mean difference on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast+4 (FACT-B+4) -2.02, -3.11 to -0.93; P=0.001). No increase in complications, lymphoedema, or adverse events was noted in participants allocated to exercise. Exercise accrued lower costs per patient (on average -£387 (€457; $533) (95% confidence interval -£2491 to £1718; 2015 pricing) and was cost effective compared with usual care. CONCLUSIONS The PROSPER exercise programme was clinically effective and cost effective and reduced upper limb disability one year after breast cancer treatment in patients at risk of treatment related postoperative complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN35358984.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bruce
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Bruno Mazuquin
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Alastair Canaway
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Anower Hossain
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training (ISRT), University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Esther Williamson
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pankaj Mistry
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ranjit Lall
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah E Lamb
- Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Sophie Rees
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Emma Padfield
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Alastair M Thompson
- Department of Surgery, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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