Assessment of impact of late postoperative physical functional disabilities on quality of life in breast cancer survivors

Aims and background. Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among women. Surgical and supplemental (or adjuvant) therapies to combat the disease may implicate physical functional consequences for the ipsilateral upper extremity. These dysfunctions may persist for many years and have repercussions on the performance of daily living activities. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of physical functional disabilities on quality of life in women after breast cancer surgery. Methods and study design. Eighty-two women in the postoperative period of conservative surgery for breast cancer participated in the study. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in all patients and mean time since surgery was 5.78 (+/- 4.60) years. The women responded to a questionnaire to assess quality of life (FACT-B) and to another to assess functional capacity (QuickDASH). They were then referred to physical therapy examination to measure shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction and external rotation) and arm volume. Results. Range of motion in the ipsilateral shoulder was limited: shoulder flexion range of motion reached a mean value of 155.44 degrees (+/- 28.31), mean abduction was 149.05 degrees (+/- 29.51), and mean external shoulder rotation was 58.44 degrees (+/- 29.17). These limitations had a negative impact on functional capacity and global quality of life. Lymphedema was present in 28.04% of women assessed and did not impair quality of life or functional capacity. Conclusion. Physical functional disabilities were present in the late postoperative period of breast cancer survivors and limited shoulder range of motion negatively influenced their functional capacity and quality of life. The presence of lymphedema did not impair functional capacity or quality of life in the postoperative period.