Design: Longitudinal mixed methods approach. Setting: Four sites across Canada. Sample: patients with breast cancer months after surgery at first point of data collection. Methods: Incidence rates were calculated for three types of arm morbidity, correlations between arm morbidity and disability were computed, and open-ended survey responses were compiled and reviewed.
Main research variables: Lymphedema, pain, ROM, and arm, shoulder, and hand disabilities. Little overlap in the three types of arm morbidity was observed. Pain and ROM restrictions correlated significantly with disability, but most women did not discuss arm morbidity with healthcare professionals.
Conclusions: Pain and ROM restrictions are prevalent months after surgery, but lymphedema is not. Pain and ROM restrictions are associated with disability.
Implications for nursing: Screening for pain and ROM restrictions should be part of breast cancer follow-up care.
Left untreated, arm morbidity could have a long-term effect on quality of life. Additional research into the longevity of various arm morbidity symptoms and possible interrelationships also is required. Publication types Multicenter Study.
