RESUMEN
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess pain, fitness condition, physical activity (PA) level, comorbidities, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), mood state and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in long-term breast cancer survivors (LTBCS) compared to women without cancer history, matched by age, weight, height, and educational level. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in Granada between April 2018 and July 2023 involved 80 LTBCS and 80 matched controls. Pain, fitness condition, PA level, comorbidities, CRF, mood state, and HRQoL were evaluated ≥ 5 years post-diagnosis using validated instruments. RESULTS: LTBCS, compared to the controls, reported significantly higher levels of "pain intensity and interference", CRF (in all domains and > 40% exhibited moderate-to-severe fatigue levels), "sadness-depression", "anxiety", "anger/hostility", and "symptom scales" (All: P = .000 to .027). Moreover, 66.25% of LTBCS not only did not reach recommended PA levels (P = .035), but also presented significantly lower levels of "general physical fitness", "muscular strength", "happiness", "functioning scales" (except "emotional functioning"), and "global health status" (All: P = .000 to .048). CONCLUSION: LTBCS still suffer from physical (pain, fitness condition, and CRF), both mental and emotional (sadness-depression, anxiety and anger/hostility) long-term side effects as well as multiple HRQoL issues (including lower levels of physical functioning and higher levels of symptoms). These findings highlight the chronic nature of this disease and the importance of continuing long- term follow-up care for survivors many years after the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias de la Mama , Supervivientes de Cáncer , Fatiga , Salud Mental , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Femenino , Neoplasias de la Mama/psicología , Neoplasias de la Mama/complicaciones , Supervivientes de Cáncer/psicología , Estudios Transversales , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fatiga/etiología , Fatiga/epidemiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Anciano , Estado de Salud , Adulto , Aptitud Física/fisiología , EspañaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the effects of two therapeutic exercise programs are sustained over time (≥ 5 years) in long-term breast cancer survivors (LTBCS). Second, to determine the influence of the current level of physical activity (PA) performed on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) that these patients may present ≥5 years later. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted with a cohort of 80 LTBCS in Granada during 2018. Firstly, considering their participation in one of the programs, they were allocated into two groups: usual care and therapeutic exercise program, to assess CRF, pain and pressure pain sensitivity, muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life. Secondly, they were also classified into 3 groups according to current level of weekly PA performed: ≤ 3, 3.1-7.4, and ≥ 7.5 (MET-hour/week) respectively, to assess its impact over CRF. RESULTS: Although the positive effects of the programs are not sustained over time, a trend toward significance can be observed for a greater reduction in overall CRF levels, lower intensity of pain in the affected arm and cervical region, and greater functional capacity and quality of life in the group that underwent therapeutic exercise. Additionally, 66.25% of LTBCS are inactive ≥ 5 years after completion of the program and furthermore, such inactivity is accompanied by higher CRF levels (P .013 to .046). CONCLUSION: The positive effects of therapeutic exercise programs are not maintained over time for LTBCS. Additionally, more than half of these women (66.25%) are inactive ≥ 5 years after completion of the program, this inactivity being accompanied by higher levels of CRF.