US Pharm. 2017;42(2):26.
Ann Arbor, MI—A new study has found that about one-half of breast cancer patients experience severe adverse effects from their treatment. Researchers from the University of Michigan surveyed 1,945 early-stage breast cancer patients an average of 7 months after diagnosis, asking them to rate the severity of seven common treatment-related side effects (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pain, arm swelling, shortness of breath, and breast skin irritation). The results showed that 93% of the women experienced at least one of these adverse effects, with 45% rated as severe or very severe. Pain, skin irritation, and constipation were most often reported. Unscheduled care for these toxicities can cause an extra burden for patients and the healthcare system.
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