Breast Cancer Rehabilitation:A Mixed Method Inquiry of Physical Recovery and Lived Experiences.

摘要

The purpose of this mixed method study was to determine the extent of physical problems, rehabilitation needs, and cancer rehabilitation experiences after breast cancer treatment. Women diagnosed with breast cancer were surveyed to examine physical morbidities, disability, and quality of life. An interpretive descriptive approach was used in the conduction of a focus group. The percentage of women experiencing physical problems after breast cancer treatment was high, physical disability was low and there was a moderately high quality of life. Despite the high report of physical problems, less than half received physical rehabilitation. Themes from the focus group data were difficulty in finding clear/consistent information, financial issues and the need for integration of cancer rehabilitation services. This research adds to the better understanding of cancer rehabilitation needs and practices and may be used to improve the delivery of cancer rehabilitation services to address the physical needs of breast cancer survivors.