Physical disability in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema influences quality of life more than mental health. Upper limb function has a significant impact on quality of life, not only on the physical, but also on the mental component. The presence of breast-cancer-related lymphedema certainly affects upper limb function and quality of life, but in this study no significant correlation between the size of edema and quality of life was found.

The obtained results showed that the rehabilitation treatment resulted in better functional and motor recovery in the patients who had had ischemic stroke.

Background. Breast cancer diagnosis is an extremely stressful life event that brings a number of physical and psychological challenges. Studies show that there is a high prevalence of psychological distress and symptoms of anxiety and depression among the diagnosed individuals. Although it is known that personality traits are strong predisposing factors for elevated experience of distress, research in oncology continues to be more focused on disease-related variables. In order to explore the role of personality traits in the experience of distress, the aim of our study was to examine the predictive value of personality characteristics such as neuroticism, hope, and optimism regarding the affective state of the patients after breast cancer surgery. Methods. The study was conducted on 40 women who had undergone breast cancer surgery, aged from 33 to 69 years (Mean = 55.02, SD = 9.18). The participants completed the following measures: Basic Demographic Data Questionnaire, The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), Adult Hope Scale (AHS) and Neuroticism subscale from Big Five Inventory (BFI). Results. Two multiple regression analysis were performed, with the participants' age, level of hope, optimism and neuroticism as predictors and positive/negative affect as the criteria variables. In the first analysis, a statistically significant model was obtained (F 4, 35 = 3.05, p = 0.03), with optimism being the only significant predictor of positive affect. The second analysis also yields a statistically significant model (F 4, 35 = 3.32, p = 0.02), where neuroticism, and, marginally, optimism turned out to be significant predictors of negative affect. Conclusion. Our study showed that optimism and neuroticism may be important predictors of the affective state after breast cancer surgery. Therefore, it is important to include these factors in the screening batteries for early detection of vulnerable individuals and to take them into account when planning psychological interventions.

These findings suggest that psychological support is important in this early period after breast surgery due to the vulnerability of the patients, and because it can diminish the risk of potential escalation of distress.

Background/Aim. Secondary lymphedema of the arm is one of possible side-effects and complications of breast cancer and its treatment which can contribute and precipitate to a number of new psychosocial problems. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in quality of life of patients suffering from breast cancer, with arm lymphedema and those without lymphedema, and to determine the significance of the perception of the disease, depressive symptoms and self-efficacy contribution to overall quality of life. Methods. The research was designed as a cross-sectional study, which included 64 patients-34 with arm lymphedema and 30 without lymphedema. Questionnaire FACT-B + 4 was applied to assess the quality of life, BIPQ for the perception of the disease, depression was measured by DASS-21 scale, while self-efficacy was tested by SGSE scale. T-test, Mann Whitney U Test, χ 2 test and hierarchical regression analysis were applied to data processing. Results. There was not any significant difference between the groups in the total score of quality of life (t = 0.469, p > 0.05), or in the individual subscales: physical well-being (t = 0.535, p > 0.05), social/family well-being (t = 1.43, p > 0.05), emotional well-being (t = 1.35, p > 0.05), functional well-being (z =-0.243, p > 0.05), breast cancer scale (t =-0.839, p > 0.05) and arm scale (t =-0.514, p >0.05), while the perception of the disease (β =-0.603, t =-5.958, p < 0.001) and depression (β =-0.411, t =-4.101, p < 0.001) proved to be significant predictors of quality of life and explain 50.2% variance of overall quality of life. Conclusion. The results of our study indicate the importance of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, directed both at functional and psychosocial aspects.

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