Original Article
The Influence of Breast Cancer Treatment on the Occurrence of Hot Flashes

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.04.010Get rights and content
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Abstract

Approximately 65% of women report hot flashes (HFs) during or following breast cancer treatment. However, few studies have compared the occurrence of vasomotor symptoms according to the type of adjuvant treatment received, and little is known about other risk factors for HFs among this population. This longitudinal study aimed to: 1) compare the frequency and severity of HFs in breast cancer patients according to treatment regimen; 2) evaluate the potential contribution of hormone therapy on the frequency and severity of HFs; and 3) identify other potential risk factors for HFs in breast cancer patients. Forty-one women receiving radiation therapy and chemotherapy and 40 women receiving radiation therapy without chemotherapy completed a daily diary of HFs for seven days, and the vasomotor scale of the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire prior to and following each type of treatment, and at a three-month follow-up evaluation. Z-scores and percentiles computed from an age-matched control group (n = 45) without a history of cancer revealed a higher frequency and severity of HFs among breast cancer patients compared with control participants. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy were both associated with increased HFs. Past use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a lower body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with more severe vasomotor symptoms. This study highlights the clinical significance of HFs among breast cancer patients, particularly in women receiving chemotherapy and hormone therapy, and the necessity to offer effective therapeutic strategies to relieve HFs in this population.

Key Words

Adjuvant treatment
breast cancer
chemotherapy
hormone therapy
hot flashes
longitudinal study
radiation therapy
risk factor
vasomotor symptom

Cited by (0)

This study was supported by salary support awards from the Fonds pour la Recherche en Santé du Québec held by the first and second authors, and a research grant from the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, held by the second author.