Hot flashes in breast cancer survivors: Frequency, severity and impact

Abstract

Purposes To (1) determine the frequency and severity of hot flashes, (2) examine the associations be- tween hot flash frequency and severity and quality of life, and (3) identify the predictors of hot flash activity in breast cancer survivors. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design and mailed survey of 253 breast cancer survivors recruited from a cancer wellness clinic. Participants provided information regarding cancer history, hot flashes, pain intensity, sleep problems, physical functioning, and psychological functioning. Results About half of the survivors reported at least one hot flash in the past 24 h (45%) or past week (52%). The average frequency of hot flashes was 1.9 in the past 24 h and 1.8 in the past week. Hot flash severity was usually mild or asymptomatic. However, participants with hot flashes reported significantly more sleep problems and higher pain severity than those reporting no hot flashes. Moreover, the severity of hot flashes was associated with more sleep problems, higher pain severity, and more psychological dysfunction. History of hormonal suppression therapy and younger age predicted hot flash activity in the study sample. Conclusions In breast cancer survivors, hot flashes are common and are associated with unpleasant symptoms and poor quality of life. Research is needed to determine if treatments that reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors also result in improvements in symptoms such as sleep problems, pain, and psychological dysfunction.

Trends in incidence and associated risk factors of suicide mortality among breast cancer patients

“…In particular, breast cancer survivors constitute a sensitive population whose quality of life is considerably affected and is reportedly worse compared to that of other female cancer survivors, while their cognitive functions and memory performances may also be compromised . Long‐term hormonal therapy may also contribute towards lower quality of life . All these factors may undermine patients' psychological status and predispose towards depression and suicidal ideation.…”

“…8,9 Long-term hormonal therapy may also contribute towards lower quality of life. 10 All these factors may undermine patients' psychological status and predispose towards depression and suicidal ideation. In fact, the rate of depression among breast cancer patients has been estimated 11 at 52.7% and is highest during the first year after diagnosis, 12 while approximately 1 of 10 patients reports suicidal ideation 1 year after breast cancer surgery.…”

Comparative effectiveness of electro-acupuncture versus gabapentin for sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes: a randomized trial

“…8 In our sample, close to 90% of women could be classified as having poor sleep quality at trial initiation. A recent review of the treatment of insomnia in women with menopausal symptoms by Attarian et al gave gabapentin a level B rating, owing to its favorable safety profile, especially if vasomotor symptoms play a large role in contributing to the sleep disturbances.…”

“…8 The construct of poor sleep is multi-faceted and can be characterized by insufficient sleep quantity and/or quantity, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and/or non-restorative sleep. These can be singular symptoms but when combined they represent Insomnia Disorder, a more severe and pernicious condition.…”

Barriers to Acupuncture Use Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…Among the over 3 million BC survivors in the United States, 46% to 73% experience hot flashes 16 , 17 and more than 30% experience chronic pain 18 that may benefit from acupuncture. However, acupuncture utilization in this population remains low.…”