Search

To describe illness perceptions of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and adherence to BCRL risk management behaviours and analyse the relationship between these factors in postoperative breast cancer survivors in China. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the first half of 2019 using 281 breast cancer survivors. Participants' illness perceptions and adherence to BCRL risk management behaviours at the 3rd month after surgery were investigated using the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for BCRL (IPQ-R [BCRL]), Lymphedema Risk Management Behaviour Questionnaire (LRMBQ), and Functional Exercise Adherence Scale (FEAS). The relationship between these variables was studied using correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Among the four dimensions of the LRMBQ, the mean score of our respondents received in "skin care" was 3.63 (S.D. 0.67), which was the lowest on the dimension, demonstrating the worst performance in this aspect. Regarding the FEAS results, better functional exercise adherence was observed in our sample compared to previous Chinese research. The results also showed that adherence to BCRL risk management behaviours was related to patient age and degree of education. Furthermore, other dimensions of illness perceptions, such as consequence, timeline acute/chronic, illness coherence and identity, follow their multiple linear regression equations with their corresponding BCRL risk management behaviour adherence. Our findings confirmed the importance of illness perceptions for adherence to BCRL risk management behaviours, suggesting that we need to pay attention to patients' cognition in this respect and supply necessary interventions. • The levels of adherence to breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) risk management behaviours are suboptimal. • Only limited research has been performed to examine the associated factors. • Illness perceptions were related to adherence to BCRL risk management behaviours base on the self-regulation model. • We need to pay attention to patients' cognition in this respect and supply necessary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify longitudinal trajectories of illness perception (IP) regarding breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in the first six months after surgery among women with breast cancer and to explore the predictive effects of demographics and clinical factors on IP trajectories. From August 2019 to August 2021, a total of 352 patients participated in this study, 328 of whom were included in the data analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at baseline (1–3 days after surgery). The BCRL-specific revised illness perception questionnaire was used to measure IP regarding BCRL at baseline and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months post-surgery. A multilevel model was conducted to analyze the data. Over the first six months post-surgery, the "timeline acute/chronic" and "illness coherence" dimensions showed positive growth trajectories; the "personal control" and "treatment control" dimensions presented negative growth trajectories; and the trajectories of identity, consequences, cyclicality and emotional influence perceptions regarding BCRL showed no significant changes. Age, education level, marital status, employment status, family monthly income per person, cancer stage and status of removed lymph nodes were indicated to be predictive factors of IP trajectories. The present study determined significant changes over the first six months post-surgery in four IP dimensions and predictive effects of some demographics and clinical details on IP trajectories. These findings may help healthcare providers know more about the dynamic characteristics of IPs regarding BCRL in patients with breast cancer and assist them in identifying patients with a tendency toward improper IP regarding BCRL. • Illness perception is a modifiable factor related to lymphedema management. • Control beliefs about lymphedema decline gradually in women with breast cancer. • Perceptions of chronicity and coherence for lymphedema increase over time. • Demographic and clinical details can help identify illness perception trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]