Late effects in a high-risk population of breast cancer survivors

Abstract

To better understand the impact of cancer and treatment on outcomes and guide program development, we evaluated breast cancer survivors at risk for long-term medical and psychosocial issues who participated in survivorship care visits (SVs) at Johns Hopkins Hospital. We conducted a prospective survey study of women with stage I-III breast cancer who participated in SVs from 2010–2016. The same 56-item questionnaire administered at SV and follow-up included an assessment of symptoms, social factors, demographics, anxiety, depression, and comorbidities. We added the Godin Exercise questionnaire to the follow-up. In 2018, 74 participants were identified as disease-free and mailed a follow-up survey; 52 (70.3%) completed the survey. At a median follow-up time of 3.1 years after diagnosis, participants were less likely to be employed (54% vs. 67%) than at the SV. About two-thirds were sedentary, and this was associated with high body mass index (p\u2009=\u20090.02). Sufficiently active participants (≥\u2009150 min per week of moderate-intensity activity) were less likely to report pain (p\u2009=\u20090.02) or fatigue (p\u2009=\u20090.001). Although 19% had moderate/severe anxiety or depression at follow-up, participants who reported employment satisfaction were less likely to be depressed (p\u2009=\u20090.02). Awareness of issues faced by survivors is critical for enhancing care and developing models to identify patients who might benefit most from targeted long-term interventions. Interventions to address physical activity, persistent symptoms, and mental health are critical for breast cancer survivors.