Utilization of a Self- Care Educational Program for Alleviating Chemotherapy Induced Physical Side Effects

Abstract :
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of both developed and developing countries. It is one of the leading causes of deaths in females. The aim of this study was to evaluate theutilization of a self-care educational program for alleviating chemotherapy induced physical side effects. A quasi – experimental design was used. The study was conducted at outpatient clinics at Oncology Center at Mansoura university Hospital. The study subjects included eighty mastectomised women receiving parenteral adjuvant chemotherapy for the first time. Subjects were divided randomly into two groups: the intervention group obtained a self- care educational program while the control group received the routine care. Three tools were used for data collection (An interview questionnaire sheet, Modified memorial (chemotherapy) symptoms assessment scale& Modified self- care diary scale). Study results showed that self- care educational program is effective on alleviating physical side effects of chemotherapy. The study recommended the important of teaching such educational program in all Egyptian Oncology Centers for alleviating such chemotherapy induced physical side effects.
KeywordsBreast Cancer Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy Induced Physical Side Effects, Self-Care

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women worldwide. It affects all aspects of an individual’s life [1]. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women of both developed and developing countries accounting for 22.9% of all female cancers. It is also the leading cause of cancer death in females accounting for 13.7% of their cancer related mortality [2]. Breast cancer now occupies position number one in all countries of the Arab world. Its incidence is increasing in the developing world due to increased life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles [3].

In Egypt, similar to many other countries in the world breast cancer is the most common cancer and accounts for approximately 38% of the total reported malignancies among Egyptian women where about 20% of breast cancers occur in women aged < 40 years [4 & 5]. Multiple modalities are commonly used in cancer treatment which includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy (also called biotherapy), bone marrow transplants, gene, hormone and proton therapy and complementary medicine such as herbals, vitamins, chemicals, diet, meditation, massage, acupuncture and body mind therapy [6]. Chemotherapy is based on giving medications that have toxic effect towards rapidly multiplying cancer cells as they interfere with their uncontrolled growth and multiplication [7]...

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