Patient‐reported persistent lymphedema and peripheral neuropathy among long‐term breast cancer survivors in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study

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Abstract
Background: Improved breast cancer treatment has lengthened survival but also has long‐term impacts. Lymphedema and peripheral neuropathy are treatment‐related sequelae that extend into survivorship. Co‐occurrence of these conditions may further impair functional well‐being. Few studies have estimated the burden of these conditions among diverse survivors.Methods: Carolina Breast Cancer Study Phase 3 enrolled survivors diagnosed between 2008 and 2013 in North Carolina. Black and younger women (aged 5 lymph nodes removed, and peripheral neuropathy was higher among women treated with taxane‐based chemotherapy. Co‐occurrence was higher among women with >5 lymph nodes removed (vs. <5; PD, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.1 to 8.8) and those treated with taxane‐based chemotherapy (vs. no chemotherapy; PD, 6.8; 95% CI, 3.9 to 9.7). The burden of lymphedema (PD, 2.7; 95% CI, 0.9 to 6.3) and peripheral neuropathy (PD, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 9.9) was higher among Black than White women. The prevalence of lymphedema (PD, 1.8; 95% CI, −1.5 to 5.1) and peripheral neuropathy (PD, 4.6; 95% CI, 0.8 to 8.4) was elevated among younger compared to older women.Conclusions: Lymphedema and peripheral neuropathy affect a substantial proportion of survivors. Interventions are needed to reduce this burden.
Funding Information
  • Defense Human Resources Activity (HT94252310235)

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