Effects of the appearance care program for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A mixed method study

Mari Ikeda; Nao Tamai; Hisako Kanai; Misato Osaka; Kazuko Kondo; Takako Yamazaki; Hiromi Sanada; Kiyoko Kamibeppu

doi:10.1002/cnr2.1242

Effects of the appearance care program for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A mixed method study

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2020 Jun;3(3):e1242. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1242. Epub 2020 Mar 11.

Authors

Mari Ikeda¹, Nao Tamai², Hisako Kanai³, Misato Osaka³, Kazuko Kondo⁴, Takako Yamazaki⁵, Hiromi Sanada², Kiyoko Kamibeppu⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nursing Administration, School of Nursing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
² Department of Gerontological Nursing/ Wound Care Management, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
³ Breast Center/Oncology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
⁴ Mothering and Life Management Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
⁵ Beauty Consultant, Tokyo, Japan.
⁶ Department of Family Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

Background: Treatment of breast cancer entails surgery, often followed by chemotherapy. Alopecia is a major, intractable side effect with potentially profound impacts on appearance. We developed a nurse-facilitated program targeting appearance-related symptoms.

Aims: This study explored the effects of the appearance care program on quality of life (QOL). The program was delivered across three sessions, each involving personal reflections on appearance concerns, short lectures on skincare and makeover techniques, and small group discussions.

Method and results: Seventy-two women who attended the appearance care program were invited to participate. We employed a mixed-method design combining quantitative and qualitative methods. QOL instruments were used to measure effects of the program at the first and final sessions and at a one-month follow-up. The qualitative data were collected as open-ended notes regarding participants' perception of the program at the final session and at a one-month follow-up. Fifty-seven women completed all three sessions. Of them, 55 participated in this study. Their mean age was 46.4 years; 39 (70.9%) had partners, and 34 (61.8%) had children. Most participants experienced hair loss at one-month post-program; however, cancer-specific QOL improved after attending the program. Patients' experience of fatigue and weakness may explain observations of decreased physical well-being. Emotional well-being continued to increase 1 month following the program, while social and functional well-being was consistent. Participants felt empowered by the information on skincare and cosmetic techniques and valued the intimate support from the group members facing similar circumstances.

Conclusions: This study showed that the appearance care program increased or maintained the well-being of participants. Findings suggest the appearance care program which promoted group sharing experiences empowered participants and may have enhanced their coping strategies.

Keywords: appearance care program; breast cancer; chemotherapy; group intervention; quality of life; well-being.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological*
Adult
Body Image*
Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
Breast Neoplasms / therapy
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Physical Appearance, Body*
Self-Help Groups / statistics & numerical data*
Stress, Psychological*