Linfedema entre mulheres submetidas a tratamento de câncer de mama em um hospital de Belo Horizonte MG

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most frequent sequelae, and the one that interferes the most in the life of women treating for cancer is the lymphedema. This side effect may have its onset during any phase of breast cancer treatment; although, in general, it isn't life-threatening. However, it may decrease survivors life quality due to aesthetics deformities, physical discomfort and loss of functional ability. Studies indicate that educating breast cancer survivors about how to prevent and control lymphedema is important to improve the functionality and to promote life quality. To prevent and control the lymphedema progression it is important that the woman has the basic knowledge about this sequela. General objective: Studying the development of lymphedema among women undergoing treatment for breast cancer treated at the oncology clinic of a hospital in Belo Horizonte. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative, sectional study. It was accomplished in the oncology ambulatory of a large hospital in Belo Horizonte, in which 125 women, in breast cancer treatment, were interviewed at the time of the medical follow-up appointment or before the chemotherapeutics administration. The interviews were conducted using questionnaires translated and adapted from English. Also, the medical records were consulted to collect data related to the patient's clinical history. Results: 34.4% of women were diagnosed with lymphedema, with an average age of 53.3 ± 10 years old, married, with less than four years of education and family income from one to three minimum wages. The prevalence of lymphedema in the study period was 34,4%.The knowledge level about lymphedema and how to prevent it was considered low and only 69.6% of patients report having received orientation about how to prevent lymphedema, being the nurses not very involved in this process. Conclusion: It is understood as essential the role of the nurse as an educator, since receiving orientation was considered a protective factor to lymphedema. It is important to these professionals to be aware of the necessity to improve themselves to help this women population.