Assessing body awareness and upper extremity functionality in breast cancer survivors with and without lymphedema: a comparative analysis with healthy controls

PurposeTo determine whether body awareness and upper extremity functionality are affected in patients with or without lymphedema development after breast cancer surgery (BCS) in comparison with individuals without a history of cancer. MethodsThe study included a total of 102 individuals, including 34 who developed lymphedema after BCS (mean age: 43.88 +/- 12.13 years), 34 who did not develop lymphedema after BCS (age: 44.67 +/- 11.20 years), and 34 without a history of any cancer surgery (age: 45.41 +/- 12.13 years). The participants' demographic data were recorded. Body awareness was evaluated using the Body Awareness Questionnaire, and upper extremity functionality was evaluated using the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. ResultsThe demographic data of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). While there were differences between the BCS groups in terms of operative time (p < 0.001) and operated breast (p = 0.001), the number of lymph nodes dissected and the type of surgery performed were homogeneously distributed (p > 0.05). Body awareness and upper extremity functionality were significantly lower in the lymphedema group than in the BCS group without lymphedema and the control group (p = 0.021 and p < 0.001, respectively). ConclusionThe development of upper extremity lymphedema after BCS adversely affects both body awareness and upper extremity functionality.