Hao-Yuan Chang1, Aparna C Jotwani2, Yeur-Hur Lai1, Mark P Jensen3, Karen L Syrjala4, Jesse R Fann5, Julie Gralow6. 1. School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Jen-Ai Rd., Sec. 1, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Zhong-Shan S. Rd., Taipei, 10002, Taiwan. 2. Rice University, 6100 Main St, MS-760, Houston, TX 77005-1827, United States. 3. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356490, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, United States. Electronic address: mjensen@uw.edu. 4. Biobehavioral Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, D5-220, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356560, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States. 6. Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA, 98109-1023, United States; Breast Medical Oncology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 825 Eastlake Ave East, G3-630, Seattle, WA, 98109, United States.
Abstract
PURPOSES: To (1) determine the frequency and severity of hot flashes, (2) examine the associations between hot flash frequency and severity and quality of life, and (3) identify the predictors of hot flash activity in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design and mailed survey of 253 breast cancer survivors recruited from a cancer wellness clinic. Participants provided information regarding cancer history, hot flashes, pain intensity, sleep problems, physical functioning, and psychological functioning. RESULTS: About half of the survivors reported at least one hot flash in the past 24 h (45%) or past week (52%). The average frequency of hot flashes was 1.9 in the past 24 h and 1.8 in the past week. Hot flash severity was usually mild or asymptomatic. However, participants with hot flashes reported significantly more sleep problems and higher pain severity than those reporting no hot flashes. Moreover, the severity of hot flashes was associated with more sleep problems, higher pain severity, and more psychological dysfunction. History of hormonal suppression therapy and younger age predicted hot flash activity in the study sample. CONCLUSIONS: In breast cancer survivors, hot flashes are common and are associated with unpleasant symptoms and poor quality of life. Research is needed to determine if treatments that reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors also result in improvements in symptoms such as sleep problems, pain, and psychological dysfunction.
PURPOSES: To (1) determine the frequency and severity of hot flashes, (2) examine the associations between hot flash frequency and severity and quality of life, and (3) identify the predictors of hot flash activity in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional design and mailed survey of 253 breast cancer survivors recruited from a cancer wellness clinic. Participants provided information regarding cancer history, hot flashes, pain intensity, sleep problems, physical functioning, and psychological functioning. RESULTS: About half of the survivors reported at least one hot flash in the past 24 h (45%) or past week (52%). The average frequency of hot flashes was 1.9 in the past 24 h and 1.8 in the past week. Hot flash severity was usually mild or asymptomatic. However, participants with hot flashes reported significantly more sleep problems and higher pain severity than those reporting no hot flashes. Moreover, the severity of hot flashes was associated with more sleep problems, higher pain severity, and more psychological dysfunction. History of hormonal suppression therapy and younger age predicted hot flash activity in the study sample. CONCLUSIONS: In breast cancer survivors, hot flashes are common and are associated with unpleasant symptoms and poor quality of life. Research is needed to determine if treatments that reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors also result in improvements in symptoms such as sleep problems, pain, and psychological dysfunction.
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