Effect of Educational Instructions Regarding Self Care of Women with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Abstract

Abstract: Breast cancer related lymphedema represents a major complication of breast cancer treatment, impacting the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Patients with lymphedema need to conduct lifelong self-care activities to control the progression of swelling, manage lymphedema-associated symptom burden, and minimize long term negative outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of educational instructions regarding self-care of women with breast cancer related lymphedema. Study design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: This study was conducted in the outpatient breast clinic at Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center, affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Subjects: A purposive sample of 50 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer related lymphedema, post mastectomy, treated with radiotherapy free from any other dysfunctional disabilities that might interfere with self-care and didn't receive any instructions regarding breast cancer related lymphedema. Data collection tools: A structured interview questionnaire for women with breast cancer related lymphedema, lymphedema scale, lymphedema functioning, disability and health questionnaire, upper limb functional index and lymphedema self-care practices questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the studied women was 47.71±71.16, and 88% of them had satisfactory level of total knowledge post implementation of self-care educational instructions, also; 92% of them had adequate level of total lymphedema self-care practices post implementation of self-care educational instructions. Conclusion: The implementation of educational instructions regarding self-care for women with breast cancer related lymphedema has a statistically significant positive effect on their knowledge and self-care practices. Recommendation: Self-care educational instructions should be added to the routine nursing care delivered to those women in all breast cancer treatment units and should be updated periodically in order to enhance their knowledge and self-care practices.