Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors Who Have Completed Primary Therapy

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether symptom burden differed according to survivor status (early [less than 3 years post completion of primary therapy], as opposed to long-term [years 3 through 5], survival) and/or use of endocrine or hormonal adjuvant therapy.

 

Methods:

In this exploratory, cross-sectional study, data were collected on 133 survivors, using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, Karnofsky Performance Status, Charlson Comorbidity Index and a demographic/health history form. We analyzed symptom burden by survivor status and use of adjuvant therapy utilizing a 2-way ANOVA model.

 

Results:

Patients who were prescribed endocrine or hormonal therapy had higher symptom severity and burden scores than did women who did not receive these therapies. No differences were noted in symptom burden, symptom severity and composite interference score between early- and long-term survivors. As functional status increased, the patients’ symptoms scores decreased. Comorbidities did not impact symptoms.   

 

Conclusions:

Breast cancer survivors continue to experience symptoms, up to 6 years after completing primary therapy, but symptoms are more severe among those taking hormonal or endocrine therapy. Understanding the relationship between symptoms, cancer therapy, comorbidities, and functional status in early versus late survivorship may improve symptom management and outcomes for breast cancer survivors.