Reduced Manual Performance in Right-Handed Women With Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer and its treatments can affect neurological and motor function, potentially impairing manual dexterity. Understanding these effects is critical for planning effective rehabilitation programs. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate The impact of breast cancer on manual dexterity in right-handed women. Research Design : A comparative observational study was conducted, contrasting breast cancer patients with healthy controls using standardized dexterity tasks. Study Sample: The study included 201 right-handed women with breast cancer and 199 age-matched healthy right-handed controls. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Participants completed peg-moving and dot-filling tasks to assess manual dexterity. Performance differences between dominant (right) and non-dominant (left) hands were analyzed, including subgroup analyses based on tumor laterality (left, right, bilateral). Results: Healthy women performed better overall than patients, particularly with their dominant right hand. In the breast cancer group, the typical asymmetry between right and left hand performance was reduced. Patients with left-breast tumors showed greater hand performance differences than those with right or bilateral tumors. These deficits likely result from treatment side effects such as neuropathy and fatigue, as well as disease-related neural changes. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for rehabilitation programs targeting hand coordination and neurological factors to support daily functioning in breast cancer patients.