Self-Management of Hand-Foot Syndrome in Recurrent or Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Treating with Capecitabine: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract

Background：Hand-foot syndrome（HFS）adversely affects quality of life. There are many factors to consider regarding the management of HFS and patientsʼ daily life. However, self-management of HFS is not fully understood. Aim：To explore how breast cancer patients treated with capecitabine prevent or manage HFS. Methods：Twenty one recurrent or advanced breast cancer patients who were treated with capecitabine were enrolled in this study. Data was collected by semi-structured interviews based on the interview guidelines. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative data analysis. Results：Breast cancer patientsʼ management of HFS was described as “Achieving a good balance between continuing the treatment and maintaining quality of life”. This included five categories:（1）“Risk perception for damage caused by HFS”,（2）“Awareness of skin alterations”,（3）“Efforts to care for skin alterations”,（4）“Prospects related to continuance of self care”, and（5）“Accommodating the differences between actual health status and treatment goals”. These five categories were identified as a cyclical pr.（5）“Accommodating the differences between actual health status and treatment goals” means reconsidering life priorities, alterating treatment goals, and searching for meaning related to experiences of treatment. The participants pursue the act of “Achieving a good balance between continuing the treatment and maintaining quality of life” while considering how HFS affects their own life. Conclusion: Healthcare providers must not only provide knowledge but also help patients make inportant life decisions related to treatment. Then, we can send them down the correct path towards self-management.