Project description
Summary
Decreased upper limb (UL) function is common after breast cancer treatment and has a tremendous impact on a woman's quality of life. Since survival rates are increasing, it is essential to identify these factors during and after breast cancer treatment contributing to persistent UL dysfunctions in terms of identifying targets for prospective evaluation and specific treatment approaches at specific time points. Therefore, this project plans a prospective cohort study to determine the prognostic value of body functions and structures, personal factors and environmental factors according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disease and Health (ICF) at different time points after breast cancer surgery for persistent UL dysfunction in breast cancer survivors. This knowledge is a crucial step in the development of a sound prediction model for persistent UL dysfunctions and a prospective care pathway for clinical practice.
Themes: upper limb function, pain, breast cancer
Onderzoeksraad KU Leuven
Partners
- Prof. An De Groef
- Prof. Nele Devoogdt
- Dr. Nieke Vets
- Prof. Dieter Van Assche and Prof. Liesbet De Baets (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of the KU Leuven)
- Prof. Ann Smeets (Multidisciplinary Breast Center of the University Hospital Leuven)
Results
Protocol of the UPLIFT project: click here
Funding
Onderzoeksraad KU Leuven
Publications
PubMed-link to UPLIFT papers: click here
Contact
an.degroef@kuleuven.be