Symptoms and Symptom Management in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study common symptoms, symptom management, and outcomes of symptom management in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. The theoretical framework used in this study was the symptom management model. The subjects, obtained through purposive sampling technique according to the study’s eligibility criteria, consisted of 160 breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy at a chemotherapy unit, Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Hospital. Data were collected between November 2022 and February 2023, and analyzed by descriptive statistics. The instruments used in this study consisted of a questionnaire of common symptoms and a questionnaire of symptom management which had reliabilities of    .95 and .85, respectively. The results demonstrated that the five most common symptoms were: 1) feeling uncomfortable, 2) feeling irritable/moody, 3) alopecia, 4) stress/anxiety, anorexia, taste change, and 5) fatigue. Except alopecia, these symptoms were not only common but also severe, and disturbing the patient’s daily life. Symptom management techniques that used by the subjects included: 1) changes in eating behaviors, relaxation, personal hygiene practices, 2) mood and emotional adjustment, 3) using modern medications, 4) accident prevention, and 5) body image management. Most patients received information of symptom management from family and managed the symptoms by themselves. Outcomes of symptom management were positive. The frequency and severity of symptoms were decreased. The mood and emotional stage of the subjects were improved. It can be suggested that nurses and other healthcare providers should utilize the findings from this study to develop the innovation that helps to manage symptoms among patients receiving chemotherapy.