title: Relations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence: results of a cross-sectional study of breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant aromatase inhibitors therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore associations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence in breast cancer patients treated by aromatase inhibitors (AI).
  
  
  METHODS
  We sent a set of questionnaires to 100 patients examining their pain characteristics, anxiety (STAI), depression (BDI-SF), quality of life (SF-36), fear of recurrence (FCRI), and representations of AI treatment (ad hoc questionnaire). Nonparametric tests were used to investigate between-group comparisons (arthralgia vs. nonarthralgia) in these domains as well as the associations between arthralgia and fear of recurrence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 77 patients who returned the questionnaires (response rate = 77%), 60 (78%) reported arthralgia. The mean score of fear of recurrence exceeded the pathological threshold in the arthralgia group and was significantly higher than that in the nonarthralgia group (14.8 vs. 10.7, p < 0.01). Significant associations were observed between fear of recurrence and pain intensity (r = 0.274, p < 0.05) and pain relief (r = -0.409, p < 0.05). More than 80% of the total sample declared that they were well informed about the aim of AI, their side effects, and the risk of developing arthralgia. Fear of recurrence did not appear to be associated with representations of AI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study revealed a close relationship between pain intensity and fear of recurrence. In particular, it showed that effective pain management was accompanied by a reduced fear of recurrence. Information, although essential, appeared insufficient to overcome patients' concerns about pain. Therefore, the implement of a systematic screening for arthralgia and the improvement of analgesic treatment are essential issues. New strategies for pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment must be developed.
authors.affiliation: Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France. clementine.lopez@gustaveroussy.fr.
authors.forename: Clémentine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.affiliation: Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.|Laboratory of Psychopathology and Health processes, EA 4057, Psychology Institute, Paris Descartes University - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Charles
authors.affiliation: Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rouby
authors.affiliation: Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Boinon
authors.affiliation: Pain Management Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rey
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spielmann
authors.affiliation: Psycho-Oncology Unit, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dauchy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors
keywords: Aromatase inhibitors; Arthralgia; Fear of recurrence; Quality of life