Improving Evidence-Based Methods of Characterizing Shoulder-Related Quality of Life for Survivors of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is prevalent among Canadian women, but treatments may cause functional impairments among survivors. Despite a substantial number of survivors joining the population yearly, minimal research has approached the challenges faced by this population after primary treatment. The purpose of this study was to classify the different function of survivors of breast cancer and determine factors that differed across groups of survivors. Methods: Thirty-five survivors of breast cancer within 2 years since the conclusion of their treatment participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed quality-of-life questionnaires, followed by a full-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. The collection concluded with maximal force exertions at the shoulder and maximum shoulder range of motion. Results: This study determined, through feature reduction, that internal rotation force production, active extension range of motion, and 3 shoulder-related quality-of-life variables (energy/fatigue, social functioning, and pain) separated survivors within 2 years of treatment into 2 clusters (low- and high-score clusters [LSC/HSC], respectively). The LSC participants had higher self-reported disability, lower shoulder-related quality of life, force production, and flexion range of motion. Conclusion: Clustering survivors of breast cancer allows for a better understanding of deficits experienced by some individuals, as well as brings awareness to factors to monitor, and address in rehabilitation efforts.