Abstract P2-11-12: Proactive approach to risk reduction and early detection of breast cancer related lymphedema

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
MR Fu ◽  
A Guth ◽  
R Kleinman ◽  
F Cartwright ◽  
J Haber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Proactive Approach ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Proactive approach to risk reduction and early detection of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (27_suppl) ◽  
pp. 95-95
Author(s):  
Mei R. Fu ◽  
Amber Guth ◽  
Robin Kleinman ◽  
Francis Cartwright ◽  
Deborah M. Axelrod
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Symptom Experience ◽  
Limb Volume ◽  
Volume Changes ◽  
Lymph Drainage ◽  
Proactive Approach ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

95 Background: Advances in surgery and post-operative treatment continue to reduce the incidence of late effects of cancer treatment such as lymphedema. Yet, many breast cancer survivors still face considerable post-operative challenges as a result of developing lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate an educational and behavioral program “The Optimal YOU” to enhance lymphedema risk reduction among patients with breast cancer. The intervention focuses on preventing inflammation-infection, promoting lymph drainage, and maintaining optimal BMI as well as preoperative and subsequent follow-up assessment of limb volume changes and symptoms. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with repeated-measures was used to assess outcomes of The Optimal YOU program at pre-operative baseline, post-operative, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. A total of 147 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer were recruited and received the program. The program outcome data include lymph volume changes by infra-red perometer-S350, lymphedema-related symptoms by Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index, and body mass index (BMI) by Bioimpedance DF50. Results: Among the 147 patients, 141 patients completed the study (4% attrition rate). Majority (94%) of patients maintained preoperative limb volume and improved their symptom experience at 12-month follow-up. During the 12-month study period, only five patients (6%) developed lymphedema and were referred for lymphedema treatment. At 12-month follow-up, among the five patients who developed measurable lymphedema, two patients’ limb volume returned to pre-operative level without compression therapy only by maintaining exercises of The Optimal YOU to promote daily lymph flow. About 80% of patients maintained or improved their preoperative BMI. Conclusions: The study shows that proactive approach to implementing The Optimal YOU program is effective to risk reduction and early detection of breast cancer-related lymphedema by focusing on preventing inflammation-infection, promoting lymph drainage, and maintaining optimal BMI.

scholarly journals Effects of a WhatsApp-Delivered Education Intervention to Enhance Breast Cancer Knowledge in Women: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Augusto Claudio Pereira ◽  
Juliana Regina Destro ◽  
Marcelo Picinin Bernuci ◽  
Lucas França Garcia ◽  
Tiago Franklin Rodrigues Lucena
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Cancer Data ◽  
Before And After

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the female population. Health education interventions based on the use of mobile technologies enable the development of health self-care skills and have emerged as alternative strategies for the control of breast cancer. In previous studies, WhatsApp has stood out as a useful tool in health education strategies; however, it has not yet been applied for breast cancer education. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the potential of WhatsApp as a health education tool used to improve women's knowledge on the risk reduction of breast cancer. It also aimed to understand how women feel sensitized within the WhatsApp group throughout the intervention and how they incorporate information posted to improve knowledge about early detection and risk reduction methods. METHODS The study involved a pre-post health educational intervention with 35 women (aged 45-69 years) included in a WhatsApp group to share information (audio, video, text, and images) over 3 weeks on the early detection and risk reduction of breast cancer. Data were collected through questionnaires on topics related to risk reduction, as well as qualitative content analysis of group interactions. Effectiveness and feasibility were analyzed through conversations and the comparison of the scores obtained in the questionnaires before and after the intervention. RESULTS A total of 293 messages were exchanged (moderator 120 and users 173). The average scores of the participants were 11.21 and 13.68 points before and after the educational intervention, respectively, with sufficient sample evidence that the difference was significant (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). The intervention enabled women to improve their knowledge on all topics addressed, especially “myths and truths,” “incidence,” “clinical manifestations,” and “protective factors.” Some themes emerged from the interactions in the group, including group dynamics, general doubts, personal narratives, religious messages, daily news, and events. CONCLUSIONS The use of groups for women in WhatsApp for health education purposes seems to be a viable alternative in strategies on breast cancer control, especially as it provides a space for the exchange of experiences and disinhibition. However, the need for a moderator to answer the questions and the constant distractions by members of the group represent important limitations that should be considered when improving this strategy.

scholarly journals The impact of early detection and intervention of breast cancer‐related lymphedema: a systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1154-1162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chirag Shah ◽  
Douglas W. Arthur ◽  
David Wazer ◽  
Atif Khan ◽  
Sheila Ridner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema ◽  
The Impact
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