Details of Lymphedema, Upper Limb Morbidity, and Self Management in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment.
10.4069/kjwhn.2011.17.5.474
- Author:
Chae Weon CHUNG
1
;
Eun Kyung HWANG
;
Shin Woo HWANG
Author Information
1. College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Korea. chungcw@snu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Breast cancer;
Lymphedema;
Self-management;
Morbidity
- MeSH:
Arm;
Breast;
Breast Neoplasms;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Female;
Fingers;
Housekeeping;
Humans;
Hypesthesia;
Lymph Node Excision;
Lymphedema;
Mastectomy, Modified Radical;
Oncologic Nursing;
Risk Reduction Behavior;
Self Care;
Upper Extremity
- From:Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing
2011;17(5):474-483
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
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.
