Intensive Education in Increasing Understanding of Lymphedema in Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Surgery

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Intensive Education on Breast Cancer Patient's Understanding of Lymphedema

Status Terminated

Clinical Trial Summary

This pilot clinical trial studies intensive education in increasing understanding of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer undergoing surgery. Lymphedema is the build-up of fluids in the arm (or other extremity) after surgery. Providing written educational handouts and verbal education on the risk factors and symptoms of lymphedema may improve patients' ability to identify symptoms of lymphedema after surgery.

Clinical Trial Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To assess the patient's increased knowledge of lymphedema signs/symptoms after education.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. The participant may detect lymphedema signs/symptoms at an early stage by having a pre-surgery comparison of bilateral upper extremities (BUE) circumferential measures to the 3 month post-surgery measures.

OUTLINE:

Participants complete a five question survey, designed by the Occupational Therapy staff, as an instrument to assess a patient's knowledge of lymphedema signs/symptoms before surgery. An Occupational Therapist (OT), Physical Therapist (PT), and/or Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) provide written handouts to participants on the pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of lymphedema. Participants repeat the survey at 3 months post-surgery. BUE circumferential measurements are also collected before surgery and at 3 months post-surgery. ;

Study Design

Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Supportive Care

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Breast Cancer
• Breast Neoplasms
• Lymphedema

• NCT number: NCT02073045
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Status: Terminated
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: August 2013
• Completion date: September 2015