Women’s Self-Care Practices Improvement Strategy regarding Post-Surgical Complications of Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is a significant health problem worldwide, and a complex disease physically and psychologically. Mastectomy is not an easy decision for any woman as it leads to changes in everyday life and has significantly negative influence on those women body image. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of women's self- care practices improvement strategy regarding post-surgical complications of breast cancer. Design: AQuasi experimental research design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at Beni-Suef University Hospital at Oncology Outpatient Clinics &Surgical Department (Oncology Ward). Sample: A Convenient sample of 80 women was included in the study. Tools: Four tools were utilized for data collection; Tool I: A Structured interviewing Questionnaire sheet: which divided into two parts: Part I: socio-demographic data, Part II: A) obstetric and menstrual history B) Medical and surgical history. Tool II: Self-Care Questionnaire, Tool III: Measure of arm symptoms survey which divided into two parts. Part I: Used to assess the potential risk factors for arm lymphedema, Part II: Used to assess the severity of arm symptoms, and Tool IV: Body Image Scale. Results : There was a highly statistically significant improvement in women self-care practices regarding post-surgical complication of breast cancer at post intervention phase. Conclusion: Implementation of improvement strategy enhance women” practices regarding post-surgical complication of breast cancer. Recommendation: Increase awareness program and different educational programs should be available at the hospital to be taught to the patients to increase their satisfaction with care presented to them.