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Madarosis Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Sarah K Premji1, Kathryn J Ruddy1, Nicole Larson2
1Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Background:
Eyebrow and eyelash loss, known as madarosis, can occur after breast cancer-directed therapy. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the proportion of breast cancer survivors who experience madarosis, contributing factors, and associations between this symptom and quality of life.
Methods:
Breast cancer survivors were invited to participate in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study as a part of the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry (MCBDR). Consenting participants were mailed a survey approximately 1 year after diagnosis. The proportions of participants who reported eyebrow and eyelash loss were evaluated overall and according to treatment type. Quality of life (QOL) was also explored in this cohort.
Results:
Eight hundred and thirty-eight breast cancer survivors responded to survey. The median age of survivors was 59.4 years (range 22-100 years), 315 (37%) had received chemotherapy (± endocrine therapy), 415 (50%) had received endocrine therapy only. Nearly half of participants reported eyebrow loss (49%) or eyelash loss (49%) that occurred after their diagnosis of breast cancer. Eyebrow loss was reported by 89% of chemotherapy recipients, by 27% of endocrine therapy only recipients, and by 19% of those not treated with either therapy. 102 (32%) of those with chemotherapy-associated eyebrow loss reported that it was complete. Eyelash loss was reported by 274 (87%) of chemotherapy recipients, 112 (27%) of endocrine therapy only recipients, and 23 (21%) of those who received neither therapy.
Conclusions:
Madarosis is a common symptom in breast cancer survivors and future investigation into the predictors and treatment of madarosis is needed.
Insights
Madarosis, or eyebrow and eyelash loss, is common in breast cancer survivors, especially after chemotherapy. Further research is needed to understand its predictors and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Madarosis (eyebrow and eyelash loss) is a recognized side effect of breast cancer therapies.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of madarosis is crucial for survivor well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of breast cancer survivors experiencing madarosis.
- To identify contributing factors to madarosis.
- To explore the association between madarosis and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study involving breast cancer survivors from the Mayo Clinic Breast Disease Registry (MCBDR).
- Participants completed a survey approximately one year post-diagnosis.
- Data collected included self-reported eyebrow and eyelash loss, treatment history, and quality of life indicators.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of the 838 surveyed survivors reported eyebrow or eyelash loss post-diagnosis.
- Chemotherapy recipients had significantly higher rates of eyebrow loss (89%) and eyelash loss (87%) compared to other treatment groups.
- Endocrine therapy recipients also reported higher rates than those receiving neither therapy.
Conclusions:
- Madarosis is a frequent symptom among breast cancer survivors.
- Predictors and effective treatments for madarosis require further investigation.
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