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The functional capacity and quality of life of women with advanced breast cancer

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Abstract

Background

The rehabilitation needs of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are poorly studied. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the functional capacity of women with MBC and quality of life (QoL).

Methods

The present study is an open, non-randomized, prospective cross-sectional observation study. The functional capacity of 128 MBC patients with ongoing cancer treatments, were studied in Helsinki University Hospital (HUS): Peak expiratory flow (PEF), dynamic and static balance, 6 minute walking distance (6MWD), 10 meter walking, sit-to-stand test, repeated squat, grip strength, shoulder movement, pain, and QoL by Beck’s depression scale (BDI), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), RAND SF-36 and EORTC QLQ-30 items.

Results

The walking capacity was compromised in half and the strength of the lower extremities in one-third of the patients. PEF was below the normal reference in 55 %, static balance in 62 % and dynamic balance in 73 % (≤60 year olds) and 81 % (≥61 year olds). The grip power was lowered in 44/30 % of the patients (right/left) and the shoulder movement was restricted in 30 %. Some disability in physical functioning experienced 55 % (HAQ) and 37 % felt depressive (BDI). The QoL (RAND SF-36) was poor especially in the field of physical, role and social functioning and bodily pain (<0.001). Pain, depression, and a poor 6MWD results independently determined the physical component of QoL (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The functional capacity of patients with MBC was significantly lowered. This, in association with distressing symptoms like pain and depression causes a vicious circle further leading to functional disabilities and impaired QoL.

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Acknowledgments

The study was financed by Helsinki University Central Hospital.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

    K. Kokkonen, T. Mäkinen, L. Pohjola & K. Puustjärvi-Sunabacka

  2. Helsinki University Central Hospital, Cancer Center, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 180, 00029, Helsinki, Finland

    T. Saarto

  3. Unit of Family Practice, Central Finland Central Hospital, Jyväskylä, Finland

    H. Kautio

  4. The Medcare Foundation, Äänekoski, Finland

    S. Järvenpää

Authors
  1. K. Kokkonen
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  2. T. Saarto
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  3. T. Mäkinen
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  4. L. Pohjola
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Correspondence to K. Kokkonen.

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Kokkonen, K., Saarto, T., Mäkinen, T. et al. The functional capacity and quality of life of women with advanced breast cancer. Breast Cancer 24, 128–136 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-016-0687-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12282-016-0687-2

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