Prevalence, Time Course, Impact and Risk Factors of Symptoms after Breast Cancer Surgery---An International Collaboration Study (I)

Neuropathic pain and other symptoms (also called post-mastectomy pain syndrome or post breast treatment pain syndrome) following breast cancer surgery bother a significant amount of women and have negative impact on their quality of life. However this problem is under-identified and under-treated. This three-year project is in collaboration with Dr. Christine Miaskowski at University of California, San Francisco. We propose to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and timing of the occurrence of breast symptom following breast surgery. The impact and risk factors of breast symptom following breast surgery will also be examined. By collaboration with Dr. Miaskowski’s research team, we will be able to compare data among different ethnic groups. In order to know the temporal course of the breast symptom, this study will apply a prospective longitudinal design with 10 assessment points from pre-surgery to 12 months after surgery. A total of 460 breast cancer women treated in Chang Gung Medical Center will be enrolled to the study. Subjective breast symptoms will be evaluated by Breast Symptom Questionnaire and Pain Quality Assessment Scale, and Norman Questionnaire. Sensory examination will be performed on breast scar area and ipisilateral arm as well as the unaffected side to determine any changes in tactile, thermal, and pinprick sensation. Arm circumference and bioelectrical impedance will be used to evaluate lymphedema. Grip strength will be used to evaluate the change of muscle strength. Range of motion on shoulders will be measured with goniometer to determine the mobility of the shoulder. Outcome variables include interference on daily function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. A detailed patient information questionnaire is developed to assess the risk factors including demographic factors and disease and treatment related factors. Survival function, Cox regression, linear mixed effects model and logistic regression will be used to analyze study questions.

Project ID:PC9404-0003
External Project ID:NSC94-2314-B182-025