British journal of cancer
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British journal of cancer · Oct 2012
Development of a screening instrument for risk factors of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery.
Persistent postsurgical pain can have a significant effect on the quality of life of women being treated for breast cancer. The aim of this prospective study was to develop a screening tool to identify presurgical demographic, psychological and treatment-related factors that predict persistence of significant pain in the operated area after 6 months from surgery. ⋯ A six-factor risk index was developed to estimate the risk of developing significant pain after breast cancer surgery. Neither treatment- nor mood-related variables were included in the model. Identification of risk factors may lead to prevention of persistent postsurgery pain. This tool could be used for target prevention to those who are at the highest risk of developing persistent postsurgery pain.
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British journal of cancer · Oct 2012
Association between patient and general practice characteristics and unplanned first-time admissions for cancer: observational study.
To identify patient and general practice (GP) characteristics associated with emergency (unplanned) first admissions for cancer in secondary care. ⋯ We have identified some patient and practice characteristics associated with a first-time admission for cancer being unplanned. The former could be used to help identify patients at high risk, while the latter raise questions about the role of practice organisation and staff training.