Breast Cancer BRAs Study (Breast Cancer Biomechanics of Radiotherapy And Surgery)

Breast cancer is an increasingly common condition, affecting >56,000 women a year in the UK. Surgery and radiotherapy are commonly used to treat breast cancer. Both these treatments can affect the structure and movement of the breast tissue, which is collectively called breast biomechanics. Breast biomechanics has been studied in healthy women and in female athletes, and across the menstrual cycle, menopause and pregnancy. Investigators know from this research that breast biomechanics can affect the type of bra support women need, which when optimised can improve comfort and quality of life as well as reduce the potential for tissue damage. However, breast biomechanics and associated breast garment support requirements (bra support) have not yet been significantly investigated in women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Patients who would be eligible to participate in this study include women aged 18 or treated with surgery +/- radiotherapy for breast cancer that affects one of their breasts. Patients will be recruited from the Breast Unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham. Participation in this study will involve attending the biomechanics testing laboratory at UoP after their surgery and/or after radiotherapy, and optionally before surgery too. 3D scans and sensors will be used to assess the structure and movement of the breast. Participants will be asked their views on the testing methods, as well as their bra requirements and exercise habits before and after breast cancer treatment. The information generated from this study could be used in the future to help design better bras for women treated for breast cancer. It could also help women make decisions about treatment based on evidence about how the breast is likely to move differently afterwards and improve satisfaction with treatment outcomes.

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• 18 years of age or above
• Early or locally advanced breast cancer classified as B5a or B5b (radical treatment intent)
• Unilateral breast cancer (contralateral breast used as control)
• Receiving or has received breast cancer surgery
• +/- Adjuvant radiotherapy
• Able to travel to the University of Portsmouth Breast biomechanics laboratory
• Participant has capacity to consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis
• < 2 weeks post-operative
• < 4 weeks post-radiotherapy
• Active post-operative breast infection
• Requirement of ongoing breast dressings
• Previous breast surgery to contralateral breast
• Bilateral breast cancer
• Epilepsy (due to strobe on 3D scanner)
• Pregnancy or <6 weeks post-partum
• Breastfeeding
• Rockwood Frailty score >5 (or those unable to ambulate un-aided)
• Requiring interpreter.