Korean J Rehabil Nurs.  2020 Dec;23(2):112-119. 10.7587/kjrehn.2020.112.

Effects of Self-Lymph Massage Method among Breast Cancer Survivors

• Hwang H

• KMID: 2519095
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7587/kjrehn.2020.112

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of a self-lymph massage method for breast cancer survivors.
Methods
This study was conducted with a single group of pre-/post-test quasi-experimental design. Self-lymph massage technique that took about 15~20 minutes were conducted for five weeks to 27 breast cancer survivors. The quality of life, subjective symptoms, and physical symptoms were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using PASW 24.0 program with descriptive statistics and paired t-test.
Results
Self-lymph massage was significantly effective for increasing physical well-being (t=4.75, p<.001), decreaseing arm circumference (t=-5.17, p<.001), and increasing shoulder’s range of motion (t=5.05, p<.001) in breast cancer survivors.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the applicability of a self-lymph massage technique that can induce positive physical effects in breast cancer survivors. Therefore, we suggest to use self-lymph massage technique as a useful nursing intervention in ways to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors in the future.

Keyword

Breast neoplasms; Cancer survivors; Program development; Self care; Lymphedema