Incidence and Risk Factors Associated with Falls Among Women with Breast Cancer During Taxane-Based Chemotherapy

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the falling incidence density and examine the potential risk factors associated with falling among women with breast cancer during taxane-based chemotherapy. Methods One hundred and twenty-three women with breast cancers were participated in this study. The fall incidence density, taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) symptoms, and physical performance tests were evaluated at five time points throughout chemotherapy treatment. A fall diary was used to record fall incidence density during treatment. The fall incidence density was calculated by the number of first fall occurrence divide by person-time at risk. The risk factors associated with falls incidence density were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. The Kaplan-Meier curve illustrated the probability to survive from fall during chemotherapy treatment. RESULTS Over the course of taxane-based chemotherapy, 29 (23.58%) women with breast cancer reported falls. In addition, the fall incidence density was 3 per 1000 person-day. This study discovered a significant link between age (HR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.11), BMI (HR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20), and a 30-s chair stand test (HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.79-0.97) and falling. CONCLUSIONS As evidenced by the findings, the initial fall occurred after the first cycle of chemotherapy treatment and was found throughout the course of treatment. Furthermore, falls were associated with age, BMI, and a 30-second chair stand test. Early detection of TIPN symptoms and lower limb muscular weakness, particularly among older persons and those with a high BMI, may be essential to prevent falls.