Quality of life(QOL) and fatigue in cancer patients receiving the radiotherapy was assessed. The subjects were 46 cancer patients who daily attended the radiotherapy department. Assessment was done on four occasions ; the first assessment was done on the treatment simulation visit, the second one was four week after treatment started, the third one at the completion of treatment and the last assessment was done between six and eight week following treatment. The results are as follows : The fatigue scores of the patients at each stage of assessment ranged from 5.49 points to 7.67 points and highest score was recorded at the third assessment hat is, at the completion of treatment. The fatigue points showed an increase from the 1st. to 3rd. stage. However, at the 4th. stage, fatigue points decreased to the level at the first stage, fatigue points decreased to the level at the first stage of assessment. QOL were assessed in three areas namely, physical, emotional and social/functional. The QOL scores in the physical area showed the highest score, followed by social/functional and emotional areas. The QOL scores decreased gradually to the third. stage of assessment thereafter recovered to the level of the first. stage. Correlation between QOL and fatigue scores during the treatment indicated that the level of QOL decreased as the level of fatigue increased. In particular, fatigue persisted after completion of the treatment and showed a significantly negative correlation with QOL. The present study strongly suggests that a strategy to restore the emotional well being level of the patient should be devised in order to improve QOL and reduce fatigue of patients receiving radiotherapy.
This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise using a flex band on the improvement of physical functions & body image in breast cancer women undergoing radiation therapy after a mastectomy.
Women with breast cancer(n = 26) were assigned to an experimental group(EG, n = 15) and control group(CG, n = 11). The E.G. participated in an aerobic exercise program with a 60% to 80% intensity of maximal heart rate for 25 minutes during the main exercise, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. The EG did not exercise regularly for 3 months before participating in this program. The CG received no exercise treatment during the research period. Data were analyzed using the χ2-test and Mann-Whitney U test by the SPSS version 11.0 program at a 5% significant level.
Group analysis revealed that the EGwomen had significantly more improved cardiopulmonary functions, ROM of the affected shoulder joint, and body image compared to the CG.
Aerobic exercise using a flex band may be an effective rehabilitative measure for mastectomy women with respect to cardio-pulmonary functions, ROM, & body image. Further studies are recommended to study early rehabilitation programs within 10 days post-operatively.