THE IMPACT OF A PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR MASTECTOMY WOMEN RECEIVING PARENTERAL CHEMOTHERAP

Abstract

Cancer has continued to be a major health problem and the second leading cause of death. Cancer also is a chronic disease. Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in females in Egypt as well as in most other countries. Surgery for breast cancer is often followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is the major systemic developing treatment modality for patients with cancer and may be used in several ways alone or in conjunction with surgery or radiotherapy. The physical side-effects of chemotherapy can usually be alleviated, but the emotional and spiritual well being of patients and families is not as easily dealt with. Most common side effects of chemotherapy are nausea,. vomiting, infertility, myelosuppression and affection of self-image. In addition to physical problems, chemotherapy also leads to psychosocial problems such as anxiety and fear, threat to self concept, altered sexuality, profound loss and helplessness, isolation and alienation and family stress. Basic communication skills consisting of listening and attending are appropriate skills to be used by nurses caring for cancer patients. Also provision of support and giving information for the patients and their families during long periods of cytotoxic drug treatment, are essential elements of nursing care giving during cancer treatments.

Hypothesis of the research:

If mastectomy women receiving parenteral chemotherapy are given information and guidance regarding their treatment and handing problems of side-effects, alleviation of their anxiety and depression level seems possible.