1. Return to Activities of Daily Living after Breast Cancer Surgery: An Observational Prospective Questionnaire-Based Study of Patients Undergoing Mastectomy with or without Immediate Reconstruction
- Author
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L. Ballance, R. L. Wilson, C. C. Kirwan, G. Boundouki, V. P. Taxiarchi, B. G. Baker, V. Rusius, M. Rowland, J. R. Henderson, N. Marikakis, J. McAleer, J. R. Harvey, and On Behalf of the Northwest Breast Research Collaborative
- Subjects
Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens ,RC254-282 ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Background. Patients often ask about the time taken to return to activities of daily living (ADLs) after breast surgery, but there is a lack of data to give accurate guidance. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a study to determine the time taken to return to ADLs after mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction. Materials and Methods. A prospective multicentre, self-reported questionnaire-based feasibility study of women who had undergone mastectomy ± reconstruction was performed, between Jan 2017 and Dec 2019. Women were asked to self-report when they returned to 15 ADLs with a 5-option time scale for “return to activity.” Results. The questionnaire was returned by 42 patients (median [range] age: 64 [31–84]). Of these, 22 had simple mastectomy, seven mastectomy and implant reconstruction, seven mastectomy and autologous reconstruction (DIEP), and six did not specify. Overall, over 90% could manage stairs and brush hair by two weeks and 84% could get in and out of the bath by four weeks. By 1-2 months, 92% could do their own shopping and 86% could drive. 68% of women employed returned to work within four months. Compared to simple mastectomy, patients undergoing reconstruction took a longer time to return to getting in/out of bath (
- Published
- 2023
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