Making self-care a priority for women at risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Estimates suggest that between 41% and 94% of breast cancer survivors may develop the chronic condition of secondary lymphedema at some point during their lifetimes. Self-care is critical for effective lymphedema management and risk-reduction. At the same time, women in general have been characterized as engaging in self-sacrificing behaviors in which they choose other-care over self-care. This study explored the self-care experiences of women with breast cancer within the contexts of complex and demanding familial and work-related responsibilities. Participants (N=14) were enrolled in a behavioral-educational intervention aimed at lymphedema risk-reduction. This feminist family theory-informed secondary analysis of qualitative data focused on women's familial roles and the balance or lack of balance between self-sacrifice and self-care. Findings included participants' struggles with time management and prioritizing self-care over care of others as well as making a commitment to self-care. Findings have implications for patient and family-level education and research with regard to gender role-based barriers to self-care and self-care within complex social contexts.
1Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.
M Elise
ME
Radina
Jane M
JM
Armer
Bob R
BR
Stewart
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D014930:Women / Q000193:education*
breast cancer; family roles; gender; lymphedema; self-care