The Effectiveness of Reducing Affected Arm Volume by Self-Care Program in Patients with Breast Cancer Treatment-Related Lymphoedema

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of a daily 10-minute self-care program, which involves exercising and skin moisturizing with aromatherapy using a self-lymphatic drainage technique over 3 months for patients with breast cancer treatment-related lymphoedema (BCRL).
Methods: Twenty-seven patients with unilateral BCRL participated in this study. The primary endpoint was based on arm volume, whereas the secondary endpoints were based on oedema volume, relative volume change, skin tissue resistance, BMI, self-reported BCRL-related symptoms, skin condition, and time, score, adherence, effectiveness and burden in self-care. Measurements were taken at baseline, after 1 and 3 months of the program.
Results: Twenty-five participating patients completed the program. The significant difference between baseline and 3 months with Bonferroni multiple comparison procedure was shown in the volume of the upper arm and whole arm on the affected side, whereas the unaffected side showed no notable change. Skin tissue resistance significantly declined in the both forearms. BMI was also reduced significantly. There was a significant decrease in severity of arm discomfort regarding BCRL-related symptoms. Self-reported self-care time and self-care score, as well as patients’ perception regarding self-care adherence, significantly increased.
Conclusion: Our 3-month self-care program may significantly lessen the severity of unilateral BCRL.