Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.38(2) > 1063709

Min, Park, Lim, Park, Won, and Kim: A Study on Behaviors for Preventing Recurrence and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose

This study was to identify behaviors preventing the recurrence of breast cancer and the level of quality of life.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire from November 1, 2006 to December 25, 2006 . One hundred and twenty two women breast cancer survivors were recruited by convenience sampling.

Results

The most frequent behavior for preventing recurrence of the breast cancer was dietary treatment (90.9%) and exercise (86.8%) was the second behavior. In addition, most of them perceived these behaviors as 'very effective' (82.8%). The degree of the quality of life of a breast cancer survivor was 5.34 point indicating a 'medium level'.

Conclusion

Breast cancer survivors pursued various behaviors for preventing recurrence of breast cancer. Therefore, the nursing interventions should be focused on a systematic educational approach considering healthy behaviors to prevent breast cancer recurrence for breast cancer survivors.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
General Characteristics and Characteristics related to Disease of the Subjects
jkan-38-187-i001

*Therapy by chemotherapy and radiation or by chemotherapy, radiation and hormone.

Table 2
Behavior Patterns for Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer
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*Multiple response.

Table 3
Perceived Effectiveness and Expenditure of Behaviors for Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer
jkan-38-187-i003

*Multiple response.

Table 4
Attitude about Behaviors for Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer
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Table 5
Diet as a Behavior for Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer
jkan-38-187-i005
Table 6
Exercise as a Behavior for Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer
jkan-38-187-i006
Table 7
Management of Stress as a Behavior for Preventing Recurrence of Breast Cancer
jkan-38-187-i007
Table 8
Quality of Life of the Subjects
jkan-38-187-i008

Notes

This study was financially supported by Korea Breast Cancer Foundation in 2006.

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