Factors Associated With Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Undergoing Prospective Surveillance

Samsung Medical Center

Status: Completed

Conditions: Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07165275

RS-2023-CC139237 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

SMC 2024-05-116-001

Details and patient eligibility

About

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition that affects more than 1 in 5 breast cancer survivors. It causes swelling, pain, and reduced arm function, which can significantly impact quality of life. This study aims to evaluate how breast cancer survivors perceive their swelling, and whether this perception aligns with actual physical measurements. The investigation will examine how this perception gap relates to quality of life. The findings may help inform the development of more personalized care strategies to support both the physical and emotional well-being of women living with BCRL.

Full description

This study focuses on identifying factors that influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Prior studies have shown that the subjective burden of swelling and psychological responses may affect HRQoL more than objective clinical severity. However, the role of perception-objective congruence-whether participants' awareness of swelling matches actual physical measurements-has not been well explored. The investigators will analyze the impact of this perception gap on functional and emotional outcomes. Participants will be grouped based on whether their perception of swelling aligns with objective limb volume measurements. HRQoL differences across these subgroups will be assessed using validated instruments. The goal is to provide evidence that will inform strategies to promote accurate symptom awareness, effective self-management, and better quality of life in BCRL survivors.

Enrollment: 203 patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients diagnosed with unilateral upper limb lymphedema related to breast cancer
• Patients who have completed the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (LYMQOL)

Exclusion criteria

• malignant lymphedema
• history of palliative chemotherapy