The Effect of a Self-Management Lymphedema Education Program on Lymphedema, Symptoms, Compliance, Daily Living Activities, and Patient Activation in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Quasi-Experimental Study

The aim of this pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study is to evaluate the effects of a self-management lymphedema (SML) education program on patient adherence, daily life activities, and patient activation in individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). This study involves 44 patients diagnosed with BCRL and is conducted at Hacettepe University Oncology Hospital Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Application and Research Center. Upper extremity lymphedema assessments are performed at the beginning of the study, followed by the implementation of a structured SML education program. Participants are monitored for a total of 12 months. Data collection tools include the Personal Information Form, Upper Extremity Lymphedema Diagnosis Form, Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale, KATZ Daily Living Activities Index, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, and Patient Activation Measure.