Nurse-Led Self-Management Program on Taste Alteration in Women With Breast Cancer

The Effect of a Nurse-Led Self-Management Program on Taste Alteration, Nutritional Status, and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer Receiving Taxane-Based Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Taste alteration is a common and distressing symptom experienced by women with breast cancer receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. This symptom may negatively affect food intake, nutritional status, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Although several approaches have been suggested for the management of chemotherapy-related taste alteration, evidence regarding structured nurse-led self-management interventions in this patient group remains limited.

This parallel group randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a nurse-led self-management program on taste alteration, nutritional status, and quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive a nurse-led self-management program in addition to routine care, while participants in the control group will receive routine care alone. The program is designed to support participants in recognizing, monitoring, and managing taste alteration and related nutritional problems during chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Literate
• Diagnosed with breast cancer
• Receiving taxane-based chemotherapy
• Having a score of 1 or 2 for taste alteration according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAE v4.0) after the first cycle of chemotherapy
• Willing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having any communication barrier that prevents participation in the study
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Receiving radiotherapy
• Having metastasis
• Having a diagnosed physical disease that may affect food intake, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition support