Comprometimento funcional tardio do membro superior e qualidade de vida de mulheres submetidas à cirurgia do câncer de mama

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in Brazil. In recent years there has been significant progress involving surgical techniques, and a corresponding increase in the number of breast-conserving surgical procedures. However, in terms of function complications and pain, post-operative morbidities still represent a clinical problem. These sequelae and complications have a strong impact on the daily lives, occupational performance and the quality of life of breast cancer patients. The objective of this study was to verify if there is a relationship between late upper limb complications and health-related quality of life in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Eighty-one women who had breast surgery between 1 and 5 years previous participated in the study. It was also carried out a survey of the complaints brought by patients regarding the upper limb and the application of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQC-30 and BR23) questionnaires. The main complaints reported by the patients were as follows: numbness (67.9%); muscle weakness (49.4%); pain (45.7%); lymphedema (22.2%); neck pain (9.9%); and range of motion limitation (6.2%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the morbidity reported by patients with upper limb dysfunction assessed using the DASH and the quality of life related to health. It was concluded that late function complications in women who have undergone breast cancer surgery present a significant impact on the upper limb, in daily life and the health-related quality of life. To invest in occupational therapy can improve functionality not only the upper limb, but also the future perspective, social and emotional function.