Prevalence and correlates of patient-reported symptoms and comorbidities in breast cancer survivors at a tertiary center.

purposeSurvivorship care is an essential component in the management of cancer patients. Optimal delivery of survivorship care requires an understanding of patient concerns and factors associated with treatment-related symptoms and comorbidities.

methodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating 34 patient-reported conditions (symptoms and comorbidities) as well as self-reported health habits of stage 0-III breast cancer patients using a questionnaire completed at the time of the initial survivorship visit (SV). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess effects of treatment, age, body mass index, health habits, and timing of SV on these 34 conditions.

resultsData from 1126 patients seen between April 2009 and November 2015 were analyzed. Hot flashes/night sweats (44%) and numbness/tingling (34%) were the most commonly reported conditions. Significant associations (P < 0.05) were observed with chemotherapy and increased prevalence of 26 conditions, as well as higher BMI and increased prevalence of 10 conditions. Age and timing of SV were associated (P < 0.05) with 20 and 17 conditions, and the direction of associations varied. Exercise was associated (P < 0.05) with reduced reporting of 8 conditions.

conclusionsSymptom burden is high in this group of breast cancer survivors, particularly following chemotherapy and in those who are overweight or obese. Health concerns vary by patient age and time since treatment. Exercise appears to attenuate patient-reported concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivorship care models should account for a variety of patient needs. Survivors who are overweight or obese and those who received chemotherapy appear to be at higher risk for adverse consequences of treatment.