Life after breast cancer

Shoulder function in breast cancer survivors: a realist evaluation of contextual factors

Shoulder pain, stiffness and difficulty using the arm can happen after breast cancer treatment. But these problems may not always be recognised or reported.

Some people may put up with symptoms. Some may feel unsure about when to ask for help. And after treatment ends, it isn’t always clear where to turn.

This study wants to better understand what shoulder recovery is really like after breast cancer treatment — beyond what can be seen in clinic.

The researchers are using an online survey and in-person workshops to explore shoulder pain and function, confidence, recovery and everyday life after treatment. 

The findings could help raise awareness among clinicians and improve services for people living beyond breast cancer.

Name of project lead: Suzi Wolfram

Job title: Assistant Professor

Organisation: Northumbria University

Email address: suzi.wolfram@northumbria.ac.uk

You can take part in the survey if you:

• Are aged 18 or over 
• Have previously had treatment for primary breast cancer 
• Finished your primary treatment at least 2 years ago, apart from oral maintenance therapies 
• Can understand the study information and give consent 
• Are not currently receiving treatment for another type of cancer

You can take part in the workshops if you:

• Are aged 18 or over 
• Have previously had treatment for primary breast cancer 
• Finished your primary treatment at least 2 years ago, apart from oral maintenance therapies 
• Can understand the study information and give consent

You won’t be able to take part in the workshops if you:

• Have a chronic neuromuscular or orthopaedic injury affecting your arm or shoulder that is not related to your cancer diagnosis 
• Are currently having physical therapy, occupational therapy or other treatment for side effects related to your cancer diagnosis or another arm or shoulder injury 
• Have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer 
• Are currently receiving treatment for another type of cancer 

Shoulder problems after breast cancer treatment can affect far more than movement. They can shape confidence, daily routines and whether people feel able to ask for help.

By taking part, you can help researchers understand this under-researched part of life after treatment. Your experience could help clinicians better recognise shoulder problems and improve services for other people affected by breast cancer.

You can choose to take part in the online survey, a workshop, or both.

The online survey takes around 20 minutes and asks about:

• Your background
• Recovery after breast cancer treatment
• Shoulder pain and function
• Confidence
• Everyday life

At the end of the survey, you can choose whether to register your interest in a workshop. You can also register for a workshop without completing the survey.

The workshops will take place in person in Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside. You only need to take part in one of them. Workshops will last around 3 hours and will include up to 30 participants. A hot meal and refreshments will be provided.

The workshops will include whole-group and smaller-group discussions. You can contribute as much or as little as you like, and you can take a break or leave at any time.

The provisional dates for these workshops are 4 November 2026, 9 November 2026 and 12 November 2026.

You can complete the survey online. At the end of the survey, you’ll be able to sign up for a workshop, if you’d like to attend one. 

If you’re interested in taking part in a workshop but don’t want to fill in the survey, you can complete the expression of interest form. 

For more information, please contact Suzi Wolfram at suzi.wolfram@northumbria.ac.uk or Andrea Lambell at a.lambell@northumbria.ac.uk.

30 September 2026