Patient perceptions of arm care and exercise advice after breast cancer surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To describe in greater detail women's experiences receiving advice about arm care and exercise after breast cancer treatment.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Three hospitals in Sydney, Australia.


METHODS
175 patients with breast cancer recruited 6-15 months after their surgery.


METHODS
Patients completed a survey about their perceptions of arm activity after breast cancer and were asked to respond to an open-ended question about their experience receiving advice about arm care and exercise. Comments from 48 women (27%) who volunteered responses were collated and categorized.


METHODS
Patients' experience with arm care and exercise advice after breast cancer surgery.


RESULTS
Topics raised by respondents included perceptions of inadequate and conflicting advice, lack of acknowledgment of women's concerns about upper limb impairments, an unsupported search for information about upper limb impairments, fear of lymphedema, women's demand for follow-up physiotherapy, and some positive experiences with supportive care.


CONCLUSIONS
Upper limb impairments are problematic for some breast cancer survivors, and these concerns are not always taken seriously by health professionals. To date, standardized advice is provided that does not meet the needs and expectations of a cohort of women after breast cancer surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professionals could better address patients' concerns about upper limb impairments by providing accurate advice relevant to the surgery.
Lee
Teresa S
TS
Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia. teresa_s_lee@optusnet.com.au
Kilbreath
Sharon L
SL
Sullivan
Gerard
G
Refshauge
Kathryn M
KM
Beith
Jane M
JM
D001132:Arm; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires