Self-reported arm-lymphedema and functional impairment after breast cancer treatment – A nationwide study of prevalence and associated factors

Gärtner, Rune; Jensen, Maj-Britt; Kronborg, Lise; Ewertz, Marianne; Kehlet, Henrik; Kroman, Niels

doi:10.1016/j.breast.2010.05.015

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Volume 19, Issue 6 , Pages 506-515, December 2010

Self-reported arm-lymphedema and functional impairment after breast cancer treatment – A nationwide study of prevalence and associated factors

Rune Gärtner
- Department of Breast Surgery, Rigshospitalet 3103, Copenhagen University, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +45 26 74 70 48 (mobile); fax: +45 35 45 32 45.
Maj-Britt Jensen
- Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group, DBCG, Rigshospitalet 2501, Copenhagen University, Denmark
Lise Kronborg
- Department of Occupational- and Physiotherapy, Rigshospitalet 4114, Copenhagen University, Denmark
Marianne Ewertz
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
Henrik Kehlet
- Section for Surgical Pathophysiology, Rigshospitalet 4074, Copenhagen University, Denmark
Niels Kroman
- Department of Breast Surgery, Rigshospitalet 3103, Copenhagen University, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark

Received 22 March 2010; received in revised form 14 May 2010; accepted 24 May 2010. published online 21 June 2010.

Abstract

Lymphedema and impairment of function are well-established sequelae to breast cancer treatment and affect an increasing number of women due to continually improved survival. The aim of the present nationwide questionnaire study was to examine the impact of breast cancer treatment on perceived swelling/sensation of heaviness (lymphedema) and on function, reporting prevalence in 12 subgroups of modern treatment and offering estimates for treatment-related associated factors.

3253 Women (87%) returned the study questionnaire. Depending on treatment group prevalence of perceived swelling/heaviness varied from 13 to 65%. Associated factors were young age, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiotherapy but not type of breast surgery or use of chemotherapy. Depending on treatment group 11–44% had to give up activities. Giving up activities was associated with pain and swelling/heaviness, younger age, ALND, chemotherapy, time elapsed since surgery, and surgery on the dominant side. Radiotherapy and type of breast surgery were of no importance.

Keywords: Breast cancer, Lymphedema, Recovery of function, Prevalence, Associated factors