Effects of Education Program for Combined Management of Lymphedema with regard to Breast Cancer Patients with AxillaryLymph Node Dissection: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined management of lymphedema education (CMLE) program which was designed for the prevention of breast cancer related lymphedema. Methods: We applied a quasi-experimental study, pre-test, and posttest design with a non-equivalent control group. Breast cancer survivors with partial or total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection were recruited and assigned to either an intervention or control group at S hospital in Seoul. The outcomes were measured using the Breast Cancer Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index, Lymphedema Risk Reduction Behavior Check-list, Patients Activation Measure 13, Functional assessment of cancer therapy-General, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand. The circumferences of both arms were measured by a nurse. These measurements were conducted and compared at baseline and two weeks after completing the (CMLE) program. Results: There were statistically significant changes in quality of life, physical wellbeing, and lymphedema risk behaviors in both groups after the CMLE program. There were significant differences in the cir-cumference of right forearm, elbow, and upper arm between the two groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the CMLE pro-gram is viable tool to prevent and manage breast cancer related lymphedema and is effective in improving the quality of life in breast cancer survivors with axillary lymph node dissection.