scholarly journals Patient Perceptions of Barriers to Self-Management of Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 1800-1817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela L. Ostby ◽  
Jane M. Armer ◽  
Kandis Smith ◽  
Bob R. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Institutional Review Board ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Perceived Needs ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Breast cancer survivors are at lifetime risk for the development of breast cancer–related lymphedema, a chronic, potentially debilitating condition that requires life-long symptom management. Suboptimal self-management rates suggest that health care providers may not be offering educative-support options that are customized to patient-perceived needs. An Institutional Review Board–approved focus group ( N = 9) and mailed surveys ( N = 15) were used to identify (a) barriers to lymphedema self-management, (b) how breast cancer survivors with lymphedema defined education and support, (c) what type of education and support they had received, and (d) what kind of education and support they wanted. Physiological, psychological, and psychosocial factors were identified as barriers to successful lymphedema self-management. One of the main barriers identified was lack of education about lymphedema treatment and risk reduction. In addition, more than half defined support as “prescriptions” and “referrals”; therefore, it is unclear whether patients were exposed to support other than medical treatment.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of an interactive theatre intervention on improving patient adherence to self-management regimens for breast cancer-related lymphedema

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Pamela L. Ostby
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Symptom Management ◽  
Patient Adherence ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Interactive Theatre ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Breast cancer survivors are at lifetime risk for the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), a chronic, potentially-debilitating, and -disfiguring condition that requires life-long symptom management. Adherence to BCRL self-management is critical to preventing BCRL progression and complications; however, barriers to effective self-management, including complexities of treatment, can negatively affect adherence. Preliminary work for this study has identified physiological, psychological, and psychosocial barriers to successful BCRL self-management. One of the main barriers identified was lack of BCRL education and support for both patients and health care providers, suggesting a need for alternative methods of providing education and support. Currently, printed information is commonly used for patient education and support. This randomized study compared printed information about BCRL to printed information about BCRL and attendance at an Interactive Theatre (IT) performance (n = 36 participants; 19/17). Circumferential and perometric measures were taken at baseline to document BCRL status and valid, reliable questionnaires relevant to symptom management, self-efficacy, and self-regulation were administered pre- and post-intervention. An interactive approach to BCRL education and support with self-management has potential to improve patient outcomes of adherence and coping with BCRL.

Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survivorship

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 224-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Brunet ◽  
Catherine M. Sabiston ◽  
Sarkis Meterissian
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physical Activity Counseling ◽  
Activity Counseling

The completion of primary treatment for breast cancer has been referred to as a “teachable moment” for health behavior change, suggesting that women are receptive to receiving physical activity counseling. However, the majority of breast cancer survivors are not sufficiently active. Health care providers may play a pivotal role in increasing patients’ physical activity behavior, yet physician counseling for physical activity is not done regularly. One reason for this failure may relate to the limited guidelines put forward to assist health care providers in how best to optimize the benefits of physical activity among breast cancer survivors. To help provide guidelines for physical activity counseling with breast cancer survivors, the authors synthesized evidence-based recommendations based on a review of 30 intervention studies. The evidence on (1) type, (2) intensity, and (3) frequency and duration of physical activity for this population was examined. On the basis of the reviewed studies, the authors find that physical activity programs for breast cancer survivors should include aerobic training at least 3 times/wk for 30 minutes, resistance training 2 to 3 times/wk (6-12 exercises), and flexibility training 3 times/wk for 50 to 60 minutes to obtain health benefits. The provision of these recommendations may facilitate effective and consistent delivery of physical activity counseling to breast cancer survivors.

Tracking viewership of survivorship topics from an online educational resource for breast cancer survivors: Findings from the Pink Ribbon Survivors Network Curriculum for Recovery Library.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 141-141
Author(s):  
Robert E. Fisher ◽  
Kelly Ann Adams
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Educational Resource ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Virtual Library ◽  
Number Of Visits

141 Background: The Pink Ribbon Survivors Network created a virtual library, The Curriculum for Recovery Library, as part of its online resources for breast cancer survivors and the health care providers who care for them. The website's library became available on July 11, 2012. 199 articles are organized into 19 categories within the library. Within each category, article titles are directly linked to their online text. The library is hosted on the organization's website: www.PinkRibbonSurvivorsNetwork.org. Methods: Through the website's administrative site, we tracked and reviewed the number of visits to each of the 19 categories's content in The Curriculum for Recovery Library between July 11, 2012 and April 21, 2013. Results: The five following categories were most were accessed by our viewership, in descending order: " Fatigue," "Doubt and Hope," "Your Survivorship Document," "Diet/Exercise/Selfcare," and "Leaving a Legacy." The tally has been determined by review of the first 2,800 viewings of the website, during this 9 month period. Conclusions: When given free access to 19 categories relevant to survivorship, our data reveals that treatment related fatigue and doubt about a breast cancer survivor's future are the most sought after categories among our viewership population. This data will help to prioritize research and resources for breast cancer survivors in the future.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Onset and Persistence of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6814
Author(s):  
Suyoun Maeng ◽  
Jungok Yu
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome

This study aimed to investigate the onset and persistence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors in a community setting. The study included 329 female breast cancer survivors from 39 community health examination centers located in 14 urban areas in Korea. After an average of 4.6 years of follow-up, based on the presence of metabolic syndrome at baseline and follow-up, the subjects were assigned to three groups: Non-metabolic syndrome (n = 249), onset (n = 32), and persistent (n = 48). Factors associated with the metabolic syndrome were analyzed and presented as odds ratios (ORs). Older age, postmenopausal status, lower education, and lower-income level were associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the onset Mets and persistent Mets group. In particular, when the breast cancer survivor was obese (≥25 kg/m2), the probability of developing metabolic syndrome was 3.33 times higher than normal-weight subjects (<23 kg/m2) and the probability of metabolic syndrome persisting was 16.34 times. When breast cancer survivors were in their 60s or older, the probability of metabolic syndrome persisting was 4.27 times higher than those in their 40s. To prevent the onset and persistence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors, health-care providers should identify risk factors. Obesity, in particular, should be controlled.

The Pink Ribbon Survivors Network: An Internet resource for breast cancer survivorship education for patients and the health care providers that care for them.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (34_suppl) ◽  
pp. 329-329
Author(s):  
Robert E. Fisher ◽  
Kelly Ann Adams
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Internet Resource ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivorship

329 Background: The authors identified a need to provide three online tools for the benefit of breast cancer survivors and health care providers: 1) An online collection of relevant publications from all cancer specialties regarding breast cancer survivorship housed in one virtual library. 2) An online collection of guidelines and relevant publications as a resource for primary care providers to access clinical information on medical care and psychosocial issues regarding breast cancer survivorship. 3) An online collection of resources, organizations, and supportive programs and selected readings for breast cancer survivors. These readings would be organized in a "Curriculum for Recovery" Library. We were motivated by the belief that, "all breast cancer survivors are underserved, if their healthcare providers are undereducated." Methods: Using the Joomla software system, a free, online website has been developed. This site houses the three virtual libraries, on separate landing pages, described above. Additional resources for breast cancer survivors are also housed on the website. Results: The Pink Ribbon Survivors Network now provides a resource of over 500 separate listings designed to educate and support breast cancer survivors, and health care professionals. The online professional libraries were created from abstracts available from medical journals and similar mainstream oncology publications. The libraries are continuously updated with new publications. These collective libraries will serve as unique breast cancer survivorship tools for women and their health care providers, for new publications, and for resources. Conclusions: This abstract establishes that a system using internet technology can provide virtual resources for breast cancer survivors, cancer specialists, and primary health care providers. This is now a functional online system for the 2.5 million breast cancer survivors and nearly 500,000 health care providers involved in the care of these survivors. The organization’s website is www.PinkRibbonSurvivorsNetwork.org.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Survivorship Care Plans Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327482091720
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Krok-Schoen ◽  
Michelle J. Naughton ◽  
Anne M. Noonan ◽  
Janell Pisegna ◽  
Jennifer DeSalvo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Term Care

The Commission on Cancer’s standard 3.3 represents a paradigm shift in the care of cancer survivors, recommending that survivors receive a treatment summary and survivorship care plan (SCPs). A focus on older breast cancer survivors is needed, as they are the majority of the breast cancer population and their experiences and perspectives of SCPs is limited in the literature. This pilot study utilized a mixed methods approach (focus groups and self-report questionnaire data) to gather information on older (≥65 years) breast cancer survivors’ perspectives of their SCPs, cancer survivorship, and communication with their health-care providers. The questionnaire was completed individually by the participants prior to the focus group and contained items on basic demographics and their health status following cancer treatment. The focus groups indicated that only a minority of women actually developed a SCP. Those who developed a SCP in collaboration with their providers valued the personal care and attention received. However, some participants reported poor communication with their providers and within their health-care team, resulting in frustration and confusion. Participants’ suggestions for ideal SCPs included better education and personalization, particularly in appropriate nutrition and exercise, and managing side effects and comorbidities. Lastly, the women believed that additional long-term care resources, such as health coaches, were important in improving their survivorship. These findings provide insight into enhancing the content, communication, and application of SCPs to improve the survivorship experience of older breast cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Assessment of Potential Risk Factors and Skin Ultrasound Presentation Associated with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema in Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1303
Author(s):  
Khairunnisa’ Md Yusof ◽  
Kelly A. Avery-Kiejda ◽  
Shafinah Ahmad Suhaimi ◽  
Najwa Ahmad Zamri ◽  
Muhammad Ehsan Fitri Rusli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Arm Circumference ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Breast cancer has been reported to have the highest survival rate among various cancers. However, breast cancer survivors face several challenges following breast cancer treatment including breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), sexual dysfunction, and psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors of BCRL in long term breast cancer survivors. A total of 160 female breast cancer subjects were recruited on a voluntary basis and arm lymphedema was assessed through self-reporting of diagnosis, arm circumference measurement, and ultrasound examination. A total of 33/160 or 20.5% of the women developed BCRL with significantly higher scores for upper extremity disability (37.14 ± 18.90 vs. 20.08 ± 15.29, p < 0.001) and a lower score for quality of life (103.91 ± 21.80 vs. 115.49 ± 16.80, p = 0.009) as compared to non-lymphedema cases. Univariate analysis revealed that multiple surgeries (OR = 5.70, 95% CI: 1.21–26.8, p < 0.001), axillary lymph nodes excision (>10) (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 0.94–8.11, p = 0.047), being overweight (≥25 kg/m2) (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.04 – 6.38, p = 0.036), received fewer post-surgery rehabilitation treatment (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.05–5.39, p = 0.036) and hypertension (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.01–5.62, p = 0.043) were associated with an increased risk of BCRL. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis showed that multiple surgeries remained significant and elevated the likelihood of BCRL (OR = 5.83, 95% CI: 1.14–29.78, p = 0.034). Arm swelling was more prominent in the forearm area demonstrated by the highest difference of arm circumference measurement when compared to the upper arm (2.07 ± 2.48 vs. 1.34 ± 1.91 cm, p < 0.001). The total of skinfold thickness of the affected forearm was also significantly higher than the unaffected arms (p < 0.05) as evidenced by the ultrasound examination. The continuous search for risk factors in specific populations may facilitate the development of a standardized method to reduce the occurrence of BCRL and provide better management for breast cancer patients.

Adapting a peer-led self-management program for breast cancer survivors in Switzerland using a co-creative approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (9) ◽  
pp. 1780-1789
Author(s):  
Franziska Schmidt ◽  
Karin Ribi ◽  
Joerg Haslbeck ◽  
Corinne Urech ◽  
Karin Holm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Self Management

scholarly journals Prevention, Screening, and Surveillance Care for Breast Cancer Survivors Compared With Controls: Changes from 1998 to 2002

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 1054-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire F. Snyder ◽  
Kevin D. Frick ◽  
Melinda E. Kantsiper ◽  
Kimberly S. Peairs ◽  
Robert J. Herbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Physician Visits ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Trends Over Time ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Over Time

Purpose To examine how care for breast cancer survivors compares with controls. Patients and Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database, we examined five cohorts of stages 1 to 3 breast cancer survivors diagnosed from 1998 to 2002. For each survivor cohort (defined by diagnosis year), we calculated the number of visits to oncology specialists, primary care providers (PCPs), and other physicians and the percentage who received influenza vaccination, cholesterol screening, colorectal cancer screening, bone densitometry, and mammography during survivorship year 1 (days 366 to 730 postdiagnosis). We compared survivors' care to that of five cohorts of screening controls who were matched to survivors on age, ethnicity, sex, and region and who had a mammogram in the survivor's year of diagnosis and to that of five cohorts of comorbidity controls who were matched on age, ethnicity, sex, region, and comorbidity. We examined whether survivors' care was associated with the mix of physician specialties that were visited. Results A total of 23,731 survivors were matched with 23,731 screening controls and 23,396 comorbidity controls. There was no difference in trends over time in PCP visits between survivors and either control group. The survivors' rate of increase in other physician visits was greater than screening controls (P = .002) but was no different from comorbidity controls. Survivors were less likely to receive preventive care than screening controls but were more likely than comorbidity controls. Trends over time in survivors' care tended to be better than screening controls but were no different than comorbidity controls. Survivors who visited both a PCP and oncology specialist were most likely to receive recommended care. Conclusion Involvement by both PCPs and oncology specialists can facilitate appropriate care for survivors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document