K M de Ligt1, M Heins2, J Verloop3, C H Smorenburg4, J C Korevaar2, S Siesling5. 1. Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands. Electronic address: k.deligt@iknl.nl. 2. NIVEL Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands. 3. Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands. 4. Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 5. Department of Research, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A clear picture of treatment-related health problems following breast cancer treatment is useful in anticipating the informational and other needs of patients during follow-up. This study aimed to identify treatment-related health problems in breast cancer patients up to five years after diagnosis. Secondly, the use of care associated with these health problems was identified. METHODS: 876 surgically-treated female patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2016 with early-stage breast cancer were asked to complete an online survey about their current health problems and use of care. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the effect of patient and treatment characteristics on health problems. RESULTS: 404 patients responded (46%). The median age was 62.0 years (SD:10.9). Apart from breast surgery, patients had been treated with radiotherapy (72%), chemotherapy (49%), anti-hormonal therapy (57%), and axillary dissection (21%). Ninety-three percent experienced one or more health problems. Over 50% of respondents experienced fatigue, psychological problems, and health problems regarding the breast, and/or musculoskeletal, central nervous, and reproductive system. Treatment with chemotherapy was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with an increased risk of health problems, respectively fatigue (OR:2.00), respiratory (OR:1.81), gastrointestinal (OR:1.87), central nervous (OR:3.40), and skin problems (OR:2.62). Use of healthcare for one or more health problems was reported by 64% of respondents. DISCUSSION: Almost all patients experienced health problems up to five years after breast cancer diagnosis, with a range of complaints that were consistently present over time. Factors associated with the development of health problems are useful for better informing patients beforehand and targeting follow-up care.
BACKGROUND: A clear picture of treatment-related health problems following breast cancer treatment is useful in anticipating the informational and other needs of patients during follow-up. This study aimed to identify treatment-related health problems in breast cancerpatients up to five years after diagnosis. Secondly, the use of care associated with these health problems was identified. METHODS: 876 surgically-treated female patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2016 with early-stage breast cancer were asked to complete an online survey about their current health problems and use of care. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the effect of patient and treatment characteristics on health problems. RESULTS: 404 patients responded (46%). The median age was 62.0 years (SD:10.9). Apart from breast surgery, patients had been treated with radiotherapy (72%), chemotherapy (49%), anti-hormonal therapy (57%), and axillary dissection (21%). Ninety-three percent experienced one or more health problems. Over 50% of respondents experienced fatigue, psychological problems, and health problems regarding the breast, and/or musculoskeletal, central nervous, and reproductive system. Treatment with chemotherapy was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with an increased risk of health problems, respectively fatigue (OR:2.00), respiratory (OR:1.81), gastrointestinal (OR:1.87), central nervous (OR:3.40), and skin problems (OR:2.62). Use of healthcare for one or more health problems was reported by 64% of respondents. DISCUSSION: Almost all patients experienced health problems up to five years after breast cancer diagnosis, with a range of complaints that were consistently present over time. Factors associated with the development of health problems are useful for better informing patients beforehand and targeting follow-up care.
Authors: Kelly M de Ligt; Belle H de Rooij; Iris Walraven; Marianne J Heins; Janneke Verloop; Sabine Siesling; Joke C Korevaar; Lonneke V van de Poll-Franse Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-06-21 Impact factor: 3.359
Authors: A M May; E M Monninkhof; E W Koevoets; S B Schagen; M B de Ruiter; M I Geerlings; L Witlox; E van der Wall; M M Stuiver; G S Sonke; M J Velthuis; J J Jobsen; M B E Menke-Pluijmers; E Göker; C C van der Pol; M E M M Bos; L W Tick; N A van Holsteijn; J van der Palen Journal: Breast Cancer Res Date: 2022-05-26 Impact factor: 8.408
Authors: K M de Ligt; M Heins; J Verloop; N P M Ezendam; C H Smorenburg; J C Korevaar; S Siesling Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat Date: 2019-09-11 Impact factor: 4.872
Authors: Inge S van Strien-Knippenberg; Marieke C S Boshuizen; Domino Determann; Jasmijn H de Boer; Olga C Damman Journal: Health Expect Date: 2022-05-17 Impact factor: 3.318