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Relations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence: results of a cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors therapy

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore associations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence in breast cancer patients treated by aromatase inhibitors (AI).

Method

We sent a set of questionnaires to 100 patients examining their pain characteristics, anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-SF), quality of life (SF-36), fear of recurrence (FCRI), and representations of AI treatment (ad hoc questionnaire). Nonparametric tests were used to investigate between-group comparisons (arthralgia vs. nonarthralgia) in these domains as well as the associations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence.

Results

Of the 77 patients who returned the questionnaires (response rate = 77 %), 60 (78 %) reported arthralgia. The mean score of fear of recurrence exceeded the pathological threshold in the arthralgia group and was significantly higher than that in the nonarthralgia group (14.8 vs. 10.7, p < 0.01). Significant associations were observed between fear of recurrence and pain intensity (r = 0.274, p < 0.05) and pain relief (r = −0.409, p < 0.05). More than 80 % of the total sample declared that they were well informed about the aim of AI, their side effects, and the risk of developing arthralgia. Fear of recurrence did not appear to be associated with representations of AI.

Conclusion

The study revealed a close relationship between pain intensity and fear of recurrence. In particular, it showed that effective pain management was accompanied by a reduced fear of recurrence. Information, although essential, appeared insufficient to overcome patients' concerns about pain. Therefore, the implement of a systematic screening for arthralgia and the improvement of analgesic treatment are essential issues. New strategies for pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment must be developed.

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Conflict of interest

None declared.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France

    Clémentine Lopez, Cécile Charles, Pascal Rouby, Diane Boinon & Sarah Dauchy

  2. Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health processes, EA 4057, Psychology Institute, Paris Descartes University - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Boulogne-Billancourt, France

    Cécile Charles

  3. Pain Management Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France

    Sophie Laurent

  4. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France

    Annie Rey

  5. Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France

    Marc Spielmann

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  1. Clémentine Lopez
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Correspondence to Clémentine Lopez.

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Lopez, C., Charles, C., Rouby, P. et al. Relations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence: results of a cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors therapy. Support Care Cancer 23, 3581–3588 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2722-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2722-9

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