Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effects of a follow-up program for breast cancer patients after surgery.
METHOD
A quasi-experimental design was used. The subjects were 56 breast cancer patients (experimental group: 27, control group: 29). The subjects of the experimental group participated in the Follow-up program of 7 sessions once a week, during 4 weeks including one telephone visit. The program consisted of health education of breast cancer, exercise, lymph edema prevention, diet education, theraband rehabilitation exercise, laugh therapy, and breast self examination. The obtained data were analysed by using the ANCOVA of SPSS.
RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the scores of physical wellbeing, symptom distress and mood state between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Considering these research results, short-term intervention could improve physical and emotional functioning abilities by helping better health. Nurses should establish and manage a proper program to provide multipurpose support and it must apply the program after surgery as soon as possible for breast cancer women.

• Keywords: Breast cancer; Follow up program; Physical wellbeing; Symptom distress; Mood state