An investigation of the rehabilitation needs, development, and preliminary outcomes of an education and exercise self-management intervention for breast cancer survivors

An investigation of the rehabilitation needs, development, and preliminary outcomes of an education and exercise self-management intervention for breast cancer survivors. The central premise of this thesis was that breast cancer (BC) survivors face debilitating long-term side effects (LTSEs) after completing their medical cancer treatment (MCT), such as chronic pain and upper limb dysfunction, cancer-related fatigue, a reduction in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), reduced physical function, weight gain, and lymphoedema. It was hypothesised that BC survivors may not receive education and support to manage these and other LTSEs. It was also hypothesised that LTSEs of BC treatment can be improved by an education and exercise self-management intervention (SMI). Firstly, a qualitative study using focus group discussions was conducted to investigate the lived experience of LTSEs of BC treatment and the rehabilitation needs of survivors, in a semi-urban region of South Africa (SA)(n = 23). The findings of the qualitative study revealed that survivors were affected by LTSEs of MCT. These impacted their daily lives, and in some cases, the ability to provide for their families. Participants were unable to self-manage their symptoms as they had not been provided with information or rehabilitation for these sequelae of their cancer. Furthermore, many participants lacked support from cancer support organisations, and felt isolated. Transportation and financial challenges were identified, and survivors lived in geographically diverse areas. Attitudes towards and perspectives of participating in a rehabilitation intervention including an exercise component, were positive. However, specific exercise and rehabilitation preferences varied between participants. For example, some participants preferred to exercise in a group, while others preferred to exercise alone, or with a family member. Some participants preferred to receive survivorship information via email or through printed material, while others preferred to ...