Abstract
Title
ACTIONS ADOPTED IN MANAGING THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AMONG PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER
Author
Vanaja P, Dr. Jaya N2, Dr. Periyandavar I, Dr. Jayaram V, Thadeu james A
Email
Vanaja@gmail.com
keyword
Action,
Chemotherapy, Breast
cancer, Side Effects,
Manage
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the actions adopted in managing the common side
effects of chemotherapy among patients with breast cancer. Method: A descriptive study
design was adopted. Sixty participants were selected by the Non- Probability Convenience
sampling method. The data collection was done by using a semi-structured questionnaire to
elicit the demographic variables of the patients with breast cancer who received
chemotherapy and actions adopted in managing the common side effects of chemotherapy.
Results: Frequency and percentage distribution of the patients with breast cancer by their
demographic variables showing 50% of the samples were in the age group of 56-65 years,
88.3% of the samples belong to the Hindu religion and 28.3% were graduates. 50% of the
samples were unemployed and 40% of them had a monthly income of Rs. 5001- Rs.
10,000, the majority (83.3%) of the samples were married, 63.3% were non-vegetarians,
16.3% had a family history of cancer. 8.3% of the samples came for the 6th cycle of
chemotherapy and 46.7% of samples received information on the management of side
effects of chemotherapy, among them 92.86% of the samples received information through
the health care personnel. In patients with breast cancer and receiving chemotherapy with
respect to the actions adopted in managing the common side effects of chemotherapy how
the majority (91.7%) of the samples experienced a loss of appetite, 81.7% of the samples
experienced nausea, and 65% had vomiting. (70%) of the samples experienced mouth
ulcers and throat sores, only 46.67% of the samples experienced heartburn all of the
samples (100%) experienced fatigue. 80% of the samples had hair loss, 71.7% samples
experienced constipation, 33.3% of the samples experienced diarrhea, 63.3% of the
samples experienced numbness in hands and feet, 71.7% samples experienced dry skin,
38.3% of the samples experienced memory loss, 43.3% of the samples experienced other
side effects of chemotherapy, and among them 57.69% experienced hiccoughs and 34.6%
experienced sleeplessness. So various actions were taken by the samples to manage the side effects of chemotherapy, for an example, 66.6% were sucked on ice chips for mouth
and throat ulcers, 75% were stayed away from fried foods for heart burn, 81.6% samples
were took more fruits and vegetables for fatigue. Conclusion: As a result of the study
findings, the investigator was able to gain an understanding of the actions she was taking to
manage common side effects of chemotherapy among patients with breast cancer, which is
hel for the planning nursing interventions for those who are receiving chemotherapy and
have breast cancer
