J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2007 Oct;31(5):562-567.

The Impact of Upper Limb Dysfunctions on Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer

• Ko YM
• Kang EG
• Jung SH
• Lim JY
• Chung SG

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the type of upper limb dysfunctions and to determine major dysfunctions influencing on the quality of life (QoL) in the early phase after mastectomy. METHOD: Among the female patients with mastectomy after diagnosed as breast cancer followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, 38 patients who had shoulder pain or arm edema were selected. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest and during activity, range of motion of shoulder and arm circumference were measured. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short form-36 v2 questionnaire were used to assess the functional disability and health-related QoL.
RESULTS
Lymphedema (31.6%), limitation of motion (31.6%) and shoulder pain (26.3%) were major dysfunctions. Patients who had limited motion showed more severe dysfunctions. The cases with shoulder pain showed low level of QoL in mental component. VAS during activity and activity of daily living (ADL) domain of DASH were major impact factors on QoL related to physical functioning. In mental component, social domain of DASH was the most influencing factor on QoL.
CONCLUSION
Pain during activity, limited ADL and social activity were major problems lowering QoL in patients with breast cancer. The proper managements for these problems is needed.

Keyword

Breast cancer; Upper limb dysfunction; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Arm
Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Drug Therapy
Edema
Female
Hand
Humans
Lymphedema
Mastectomy
Quality of Life*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Range of Motion, Articular
Shoulder
Shoulder Pain
Upper Extremity*
Visual Analog Scale