Effect of Lymphedema Prevention Program Based on Theory of Knowledge-attitude-practice on Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients

Effect of Lymphedema Prevention Program Based on Theory of Knowledge-attitude-practice on Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial

According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 108 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into control group (n = 56) and intervention group (n = 52). The control group received routine nursing, while the intervention group received upper limb lymphedema prevention program for breast cancer patients after surgery. Before surgery, at the third chemotherapy (about 2.1 months after surgery) and the sixth chemotherapy (about 4.2 months after surgery), the self-designed general information questionnaire was used to investigate the patient's basic situation, and the corresponding tools were used to measure the volume of the patient's upper arm, the grip strength of the affected arm, and the range of motion of the affected shoulder joint.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients were≥18 years old
• Pathological puncture confirmed breast cancer with unilateral, no recurrence, and no metastasis
• Patients with clinical TNM stageⅠ~Ⅲ
• Patients with proposed surgery and 6 or more chemotherapy
• The patient was conscious and aware of his condition, with no cognitive impairment or communication problems

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who had cancer other than breast cancer
• Patients who had history of arm or neck trauma, infection or surgery
• Patients who had serious diseases such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, liver, kidney, etc
• Patients who had upper limb disability or the affected limb has edema before surgery
• Patients who had thrombus in the blood vessels of the affected limb