Health Problems and their Home-Based Management Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Attending Radiotherapy OPD, PGIMER, Chandigarh

Abstract

Objectives: To determine various health problems and their home-based management among breast cancer survivors after three months of completion of hospital-based treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy). Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was adopted and total 100 women were selected conveniently who were currently disease free. Interview was conducted using Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Symptom Scale (BCPT) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Research setting was Radiotherapy Outpatient Department (OPD), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Result: Mean age of the participants at the time of diagnosis and survey was 47.69 years and 52.48 years, respectively. Most of the participants were diagnosed with early stage of breast cancer. Treatment profile of participants reflected that combination of interventional modalities (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) was most commonly used. Most common health problems reported were fatigue [lack of energy (78%) and tiredness (79%)], general aches and pains (57%), joint pains (50%) and weight gain (57%). Participants reported 59% of mild depression. Different home-based modalities were used by the participants such as massage with oil, intake of cold water, haldidudh(Turmeric milk), lime water, exercises, etc.to get relief from the above listed health problems. Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors were suffering from various physical as well as psychological health problems. Use of home-based care remedies was prominent among participants for enduring health issues.

Keywords: Breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, health problems, participants, radiotherapy

Cite this Article

Davinder, Himani, Meghna, Simranjeet Kaur, Priya, Monika Dutta, Maninderdeep Kaur, Budhi S Yadav. Health Problems and their Home-Based Management Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Attending Radiotherapy OPD, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Research & Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2020; 9(1): 1–10p.