Mild symptoms matter: Results from a prospective, longitudinal study on the relationship between symptoms, lymphedema and health-related outcomes post-gynecological cancer

Objectives

To describe lower-limb symptoms pre- through to 2-years post-surgery following newly diagnosed gynecological cancer; to explore relationships between lower-limb symptoms, lower-limb lymphedema, body image, quality of life, anxiety and depression; and to determine whether lower-limb symptoms predict lower-limb lymphedema.

Methods

Fourteen lower-limb symptoms, lymphedema, body image, anxiety, depression, and quality of life were prospectively collected in 408 women with gynecological cancer pre-surgery, and at 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-surgery. Point prevalence and cumulative incidence were calculated for symptoms. Cross-sectional relationships were explored between symptoms, lower-limb lymphedema and health-related outcomes at all timepoints, while regression analyses were used to assess the predictive relationships between lower-limb symptoms at 6-months post-surgery, and lymphedema at 12- and 24-months post-surgery.

Results

Participants were on average 59 (SD: 11) years of age, and 58 %, 28 %, 9 % and 5 % were diagnosed with endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulvar/vaginal cancer, respectively. Prevalence of any given lower limb symptom among all cancer types ranged between 11 and 59 %, with the most prevalent symptoms being pain, stiffness, and aching (prevalence >40 % across all time-points). The presence of symptoms was associated with higher anxiety and depression, poorer overall quality of life and body image (p < 0.01). Compared to those without symptoms, one or more lower limb symptoms of at least mild severity increased the odds of developing lymphedema up to 24 months post-surgery (OR > 1.3).

Conclusions

Self-reported symptoms are associated with adverse health-related outcomes. Assessment and management of symptoms, irrespective of symptom severity, has potential for improving health outcomes, including lymphedema, in those following gynecological cancer.