| Details of Lymphedema, Upper Limb Morbidity, and Self Management in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment |
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Chae Weon Chung, Eun Kyung Hwang, Shin Woo Hwang |
1College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Korea. chungcw@snu.ac.kr
2Breast Clinic, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.
3College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Korea. |
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| Abstract |
PURPOSE
To examine the details of lymphedema, upper limb morbidity, and its self management in women after breast cancer treatment.
METHODS
Using a cross-sectional survey design, 81 women were recruited from a university hospital. Lymphedema was detected by a nurse as a 2-cm difference between arm circumferences at 6 different points on the arm. Degrees of pain, stiffness, and numbness were scored using a drawing of upper limb on a 0~10 point scale. Aggravating conditions and self-management for lymphedema were also recorded.
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 52.5 years; the average time since breast surgery was 29.7 months. Histories of modified radical mastectomy (55%) and lymph node dissection (81%) were noted. Lymphedema was found in 59% of women, then pain and stiffness were prevalent most at upper arm while numbness was apparentat fingers, and the symptom distress scores ranged 3.9~6.7. Women experienced aggravated arm swelling after routine housework with greatly varied duration. Self-management was conservative with a wide range of times for the relief of symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Lymphedema education for women with breast cancer should be incorporated into the oncologic nursing care system to prevent its occurrence and arm morbidity. Risk reduction guidelines, individually tailored self-care strategies, and self-awareness for early detection need to be refined in clinical nursing practices. |
| Key Words:
Breast cancer; Lymphedema; Self-management; Morbidity |
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