Breast Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation: Development of an Educational-Support Nursing Intervention
Breast cancer survivors represent 22% of the 9 million cancer survivors, making them the largest cancer survivor population. Women following breast cancer therapy have unique multidimensional needs and report a wide spectrum of physical and psychological symptom distress. Younger women who receive chemotherapy after surgery report more physical symptoms, greater sexual dysfunction, persistent psychological distress and poorer physical functioning. Older women report declines in physical and mental health over the first year following therapy. The end of therapy is a particular emotional challenge for women, as they transition away from the supportive medical environment into their own world as cancer survivors. There is a recognized need for psychosocial interventions and support programs. Specifically, a need has been identified for interventions to promote better physical functioning, emotional well-being and communication with health care providers and women desire information on nutrition and physical activity. Yet, few intervention programs have been initiated to meet the needs of patients after therapy is completed. Dr. Knobf's project seeks to develop an educational-support intervention to improve adaptation and promote self care for survivors with breast cancer after therapy.
