Needs and Problems Encountered Among Post Mastectomy Patients: Suggested Nursing Guidelines

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator, medical surgical nursing Dep., Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

2 lecturer, medical surgical nursing Dep., Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University

3 Prof. of medical surgical nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide with about one million
new cases annually. Breast cancer remains major health problem all over the world. The
life-threatening nature of breast cancer and the consequences of the aggressive treatment
regimes can result in a wide range of physical, emotional and social consequences may
influence the patients' needs. Aim of this study: assess problems and needs which
encountered among breast cancer patients following mastectomy and develop suggested
nursing guidelines. Subjects and methods: Descriptive design was conducted for sample of
60 adult female patients admitted to oncology units, at Zagazig University hospitals through:
using interview questionnaire sheet. Results: This study revealed that, most patients suffered
from pain, difficulty in hand movement at surgical site, high costly treatment, chemotherapy
and radiotherapy side effects following mastectomy. There are significant relations between
patients’ ages and needs for helping in eating, clothing and bathing, between level of
education and needs for economic help and between constipation and patients’ needs for
nursing guidelines. Conclusion: Patients’ substantial needs and problems require professional
support even after completion of the patients’ treatment. Continued assessment of the
patients’ needs and symptoms provide the basis for purposeful counseling and education.
Recommendations: Rehabilitation programs for patients should be developed and
implemented in clinical practice.

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