Journal article
Analysis of the Understanding and Worry about Lymphedema of Patients with Breast Cancer
Annals of surgical oncology, Vol.29(10), pp.6428-6437
08/01/2022
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12189-6
Abstract
Background
Lymphedema is a potential lifelong sequela of breast cancer treatment. We sought to: (1) evaluate the worry and knowledge of patients about lymphedema, (2) quantify patients reporting lymphedema education and screening, and (3) determine willingness to participate in lymphedema screening and prevention programs.
Patients and Methods
A survey evaluating lymphedema-related knowledge and worry was sent to patients treated for stage 0–III breast cancer. Exclusion criteria included > 10 years since diagnosis, missing clinical staging, and those without axillary surgery. Responses were linked with clinicopathologic information.
Results
Of 141 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 89% of those without lymphedema were not at all or slightly worried about lymphedema. Higher levels of worry were associated with clinical stage II–III disease [odds ratio (OR) 2.63,
p
= 0.03], a history of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (OR 4.58,
p
< 0.01), and employment (OR 2.21,
p
= 0.05). A total of 102 (72%) patients recalled receiving lymphedema education. Lymphedema knowledge was limited, with < 25% of respondents answering > 50% of the risk factor questions correctly. Worry and knowledge were not significantly associated. Of patients without lymphedema, 36% were interested in learning more about lymphedema and 64% were willing to participate in or learn more about a screening program. Most (66%) felt that lymphedema information should be provided before and after cancer treatment.
Discussion
A majority of our breast cancer survivors had limited knowledge about lymphedema risk factors. While most patients were not worried about developing lymphedema, higher worry was seen in patients with a higher clinical stage at diagnosis, ALND, and employment. Our findings suggest potential targets and timing for patient-centered educational interventions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Analysis of the Understanding and Worry about Lymphedema of Patients with Breast Cancer
- Creators
- Rebecca A. Uhlmann - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsSarah L. Mott - University of IowaMelissa Curry - University of IowaSneha Phadke - University of IowaSonia L. Sugg - University of IowaLillian M. Erdahl - University of IowaRonald J. Weigel - University of IowaIngrid M. Lizarraga - Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Annals of surgical oncology, Vol.29(10), pp.6428-6437
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
- DOI
- 10.1245/s10434-022-12189-6
- ISSN
- 1068-9265
- eISSN
- 1534-4681
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/01/2022
- Academic Unit
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Surgery; Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation; Internal Medicine; Anatomy and Cell Biology; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Record Identifier
- 9984293660102771
Metrics
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