C29
Case controlled, cross-sectional survey of joint and muscle aches, pains and stiffness in women with primary breast cancer
Deborah Fenlon, Julia Addington-Hall, Peter Simmonds
University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
Background
As survivorship comes to the fore in the treatment of breast cancer it is important to look at the issues that affect women in the months and years after treatment. Joint aches, pains and stiffness are some of the most commonly described problems amongst these women. While these symptoms may be caused by ageing and/or the menopause, there is some evidence to suggest that they are specific to or exacerbated by primary breast cancer treatment (Felson and Cummings, 2005). No previous research has, however, compared the prevalence of these symptoms to those in women of a similar age without cancer.
Aim
To determine the prevalence of joint aches, pains and stiffness in women after treatment for primary breast cancer and to compare with controls.
Method
We recruited 247 women with breast cancer following primary breast cancer treatment and 272 without breast cancer attending for mammographic screening. They completed the Nordic musculoskeletal pain questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory and the SF-36 general health questionnaire. Medical and demographic details were collected as well as information about factors which might affect these symptoms, such as menopausal status or weight.
Results
Current pain and stiffness were reported by143(62%) and 131(56%) respectively by women in the breast cancer group as opposed to 125(49%) and 97(37%) in the non-cancer group.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence that joint pains are more prevalent in this population. Further analyses will explore impact of group differences and will provide data on the severity and impact of symptoms.
