SELF-MANAGEMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA IN PATIENTS OPERATED ON FOR BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Lymphedema is most frequently developing problem in patients who have a surgery for breast cancer. Problems such as restriction in upper limb activities, decrease recovery capasity of affected tissue, infection and pain can be seen in patients related to lymphedema. These problems may cause weakness, impaired body image, decrease in self-esteem and quality of life, anxiety, emotional distress and depression. For this reason, it is important to teach patients about the self-management of lymphedema and management of problems which are caused by lymphedema. By self-management of lymphedema, it is aimed to increase patients’ awareness of lymphedema, detect complications in the early period, improve lymphedema with preventive applications and increase the quality of life. In this article, information will be given related to self-management of lymphedema in patients operated on for breast cancer in the extend of current literature.

Keywords

• self-management
• lymphedema
• breast cancer