What are the long term disabling effects of treatment for breast cancer?
Once treatment is complete it is expected that women will return to full health. Long term problems particular to breast cancer treatment may include: • Mental health problems related to adjusting to changes in appearance and having cancer • Debilitating menopausal symptoms related to ongoing hormone therapy • Lymphoedema of the arm following axillary surgery or radiotherapy • Any long term side effect related to chemotherapy – (rare) • Radiation Induced Brachial Plexopathy – RIBP- (rare) symptoms include tingling numbness and paralysis of the hand which spreads up the arm, it is usually associated with severe neuropathic type pains in the shoulder and arm. Pain may resolve when paralysis becomes complete. The condition develops over several years. It is related to radiation induced changes to the nerves supplying the arm – the brachial plexus. The end result of the condition is numbness and paralysis of the affected arm. This will be more disabling if associated with persistent pain.
