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KMID : 0606420110170050474
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Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing
2011 Volume.17 No. 5 p.474 ~ p.483
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Details of Lymphedema, Upper Limb Morbidity, and Self Management in Women after Breast Cancer Treatment
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Chung Chae-Weon
Hwang Eun-Kyung
Hwang Shin-Woo
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Abstract
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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.
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KEYWORD
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Breast cancer, Lymphedema, Self-management, Morbidity
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