Patients' sensations after breast cancer surgery - A pilot study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the prev alence and characteristics of breast sensations after breast cancer surgery , the impact they had on patients, and aggravating and relieving factors. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: Within 1 month after the date of their surgery, 132 p atients with breast cancer completed an instrument rating the prevalence, s everity, and level of distress of breast sensations. Information also was o btained on the impact that those sensations had on activities of daily livi ng and factors that triggered and provided relief from sensations. RESULTS: Certain sensations remain prevalent (numb, tender) severe (burning , sharp), and distressing (cramping, painful). Overall these sensations sig nificantly interfered with patients' activities of daily living. Certain ac tivities (movement, position change) triggered sensations, while others (po sition change, medication) provided relief. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare professionals can use the information lea rned from this pilot study to educate patients both preoperatively and post operatively about prevalent breast sensations after surgery for breast canc er and about the types of activities that may aggravate or relieve these se nsations. As patient educators and advocates, oncology professionals must c ontinue to explore the long-term effects and treatment options to provide o ptimal care and support to patients who have or are likely to have post-sur gical breast sensations. More studies are needed to explore long-term effec ts and treatment options.