Yoga, breast cancer‐related lymphoedema and well‐being: A descriptive report of women's participation in a clinical trial

Annette Loudon, Tony Barnett and Andrew Williams

Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2017, vol. 26, issue 23-24, 4685-4695

Abstract: Aims and objectives To describe the experiences of women taking part in a yoga intervention trial for breast cancer‐related lymphoedema. Background Around 20% of women will experience lymphoedema as a consequence of treatment for breast cancer. Specialist lymphoedema clearing, along with self‐management, remains the mainstay of therapy. Yoga, an increasingly popular complementary therapeutic practice, may provide another tool to augment self‐management. Design A qualitative, descriptive design. Methods Interviews were conducted with 15 women with stage one breast cancer‐related lymphoedema who had completed an 8‐week yoga intervention trial. The intervention consisted of a weekly teacher‐led 1.5‐hr yoga class and a daily home practice using a 45‐min DVD. Interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed. These data were then analysed using an iterative‐thematic approach. Results Participants reported improved well‐being, increased awareness of their physical body as well as improved physical, mental and social functioning. They gained from being part of the yoga group that also provided a forum for them to share their experiences. Nine women felt empowered to describe their yoga participation as a transformative journey through illness. Conclusion When safe to do so, the holistic practice of yoga may augment and provide additional benefit to current self‐management and treatment practices for women with breast cancer‐related lymphoedema. Relevance to clinical practice Patients with breast cancer‐related lymphoedema may seek advice and guidance from nurses and other healthcare professionals on a range of complementary therapies to help relieve symptoms and promote recovery. Patients who choose to augment their treatment of breast cancer‐related lymphoedema by practicing yoga should be carefully assessed, be taught an appropriate technique by a qualified yoga teacher/therapist and its impact monitored by their yoga teacher/therapist, breast care nurse, lymphoedema therapist or treating clinician.

Date: 2017
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https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13819

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:26:y:2017:i:23-24:p:4685-4695

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