Project Summary

Purpose: Women diagnosed with breast cancer frequently undergo surgery related to staging and treatment of the disease. Studies completed in both physiotherapy and nursing regarding the sequela of lymph node surgery describe the potential risks of chronic lyphedema and reduced range of motion. The notion of health prevention and recommendations for the need for study of alternative prevention strategies has been suggested (Greengrass et al, 1996, Francke et al, 1994). This study has provided the opportunity to explore the potential benefits of massage therapy in the early postoperative period following breast related surgery.

Method: Both the pilot and full study used a randomized control group design with measures taken at four points: pre-surgery, 24 hours post surgery, 7 days post surgery, and 4 months post surgery. Data included demographics, pain measures, swelling, shoulder function, and various psychosocial measures. Both groups received standard pre-operative and post-operative teaching. The intervention group received additional information on post-operative massage by a significant other. 30 subjects per group will be recruited for a total sample size of 60. The study thus far includes 20 women. Although the small sample size precludes generalizations, those in intervention group report satisfaction with the intervention. Women in the intervention group use both prescribed medication and massage to cope with pain. The pain relief massage provided in the initial 24 hours ranged from 0-70%, compared with relief from medication of 0-100%. Over the next days, the relief from medication and massage were more similar. By day 3 the average pain relief from massage was 70% (range 60-80), and the average pain relief from medication was 72.5% (range 60-85). There was a trend toward earlier reduction of pain medication with the intervention group.

Content and Objective: The proposed presentation will examine the effects and the relevance of the intervention in order to educate and share information with professionals and individuals affected with the disease in an effort to improve the port-operative experience for the women as well as their families.