Factors Influencing the Self-management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Meta-synthesis of Qualitative Studies.

BACKGROUND: Patients with breast cancer have an estimated 14% to 60% risk of developing lymphedema after treatment. Self-management behavior strategies regarding lymphedema are essential in preventing and alleviating the severity of lymphedema. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitative research evidence on the potential influencing factors for self-management behaviors of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A systematic search of 10 electronic databases was conducted to identify qualitative studies on patient experience of lymphedema self-management. The following databases were included and appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist: Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Med Online, and Chinese Biomedical Database. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 5313 studies, of which only 22 qualitative studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Five synthesized findings were derived encompassing personal characteristics, personal knowledge and experience, personal health beliefs, self-regulation skills and abilities, and social influences and support. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with breast cancer are confronted with many challenges when performing self-management of lymphedema. Therefore, it is important to recognize potential facilitators and barriers to further offer practical recommendations that promote self-management activities for lymphedema. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should receive consistent training on lymphedema management. On the basis of individual patient characteristics, tailored education and support should be provided, including transforming irrational beliefs, and improving related knowledge and skills, with the aim to promote self-management behaviors with respect to lymphedema.

Development and validation of a prediction model for frailty in breast cancer patients with extended survival.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) patients with extended survival show a higher incidence of frailty. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel model combining sociodemographic factors (SF) and disease-related factors (DRF) to identify frailty in BC patients with extended survival. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined data from 1167 patients admitted to a large urban academic medical centre. Three types of predictive models were constructed in the training set (817 patients): the SF model, the DRF model, and the SF + DRF model (combined model). The model performance and effectiveness were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots and decision curves analysis (DCA). Then the model was subsequently validated on the validation set. RESULTS: The incidence of frailty in BC patients with extended survival was 35.8%. We identified six independent risk factors including age, health status, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, number of comorbidities and oral medications. Ultimately, we constructed an optimal model (combined model C) for frailty. The predictive model showed significantly high discriminative accuracy in the training set AUC: 0.754, (95% CI, 0.719-0.789; sensitivity: 76.8%, specificity: 62.2%) and validation set AUC: 0.805, (95% CI, 0.76-0.85), sensitivity: 60.8%, specificity: 87.1%) respectively. A prediction nomogram was constructed for the training and validation sets. Calibration and DCA were performed, which indicated that the clinical model presented satisfactory calibration and clinical utility. Ultimately, we implemented the prediction model into a mobile-friendly web application that provides an accurate and individualized prediction for BC. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of frailty in BC patients with extended survival was 35.8%. We developed a novel model for screening frailty, which may provide evidence for frailty screening and prevention.

Development and psychometric testing of the lymphedema self-management support scale for breast cancer survivors.

Objective: Effective self-management support should be tailored to the individual. To provide personalized and targeted self-management support, a rigorous assessment tool is needed to screen the actual degree of lymphedema self-management support received by breast cancer survivors. This study aims to develop and psychometrically test the Lymphedema Self-Management Support Scale for Breast Cancer Survivors (LSMS-BCs). Methods: This study involves two phases: scale development and psychometric testing. In the scale development phase, preliminary items and domains were identified through a qualitative meta-synthesis, a quantitative systematic review, and reference to previous similar scales. Expert consultation and pilot study were conducted to refine the scale and evaluate the content validity. The psychometric characteristics were tested with 447 participants using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability assessments, as well as measurement invariance. Results: A preliminary 21-item scale with four domains, basic management support, management support for limb volume reduction, role management support, and emotional management support, was constructed in the scale development phase and well supported by EFA and CFA. The scale-level content validity index was 0.983. Cronbach's α coefficient for overall scale and subscales ranged from 0.732 to 0.949. McDonald's ω ranged from 0.848 to 0.955. Excellent known-groups validity, concurrent validity, predictive validity, and measurement invariance were demonstrated. Conclusions: The LSMS-BCs is psychometrically valid and reliable. It can serve as a valuable tool for assessing and understanding the lymphedema self-management support received by breast cancer survivors.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: An Umbrella Review.

BACKGROUND: Identification of risk factors facilitates the prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Several published systematic reviews have already addressed the risk factors for BCRL. This study aimed to systematically identify potential risk factors for BCRL and evaluate the quality of evidence. METHODS: The study followed methodologic guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute, and the Cochrane Handbook. The following electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to 15 November 2022: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang, JBI Database, Cochrane Database, ProQuest, and PROSPERO. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodologic quality using AMSTAR2, risk of bias using ROBIS, and evidence quality using GRADE. The study evaluated overlap, assessed the small-study effect, and calculated the I2 statistic and Egger's P value as needed. RESULTS: The study included 14 publications comprising 10 meta-analyses and 4 systematic reviews. The authors identified 39 factors and 30 unique meta-analyses. In the study, 13 innate personal trait-related risk factors, such as higher body mass index (BMI) and axillary lymph nodes dissection, showed statistically significant associations with BCRL incidence. Breast reconstruction was found to be a protective factor. The methodologic quality was low or critically low. The majority of the systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses were rated as having a high risk of bias. Evidence quality was low for 22 associations and moderate for 8 associations. CONCLUSIONS: The currently identified risk factors for BCRL all are innate personal trait-related factors. Future well-designed studies and robust meta-analyses are needed to explore potential associations between behavioral-, interpersonal-, and environmental-related factors and BCRL, as well as the role of genetic variations and pathophysiologic factors.

Breast cancer survivors' experiences of barriers and facilitators to lymphedema self-management behaviors: a theory-based qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Lifelong self-management plays a critical role in the prevention and management of lymphedema among breast cancer survivors. However, adherence to lymphedema self-management behaviors has remained suboptimal. Hence, we adopted a theory-informed method to elucidate the facilitators and barriers of lymphedema self-management for breast cancer survivors. METHODS: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and October 2022 in the lymphedema nursing clinic of a tertiary cancer hospital. The maximum variation sampling technique was used to ensure a diverse sample. The ITHBC (Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change) framework was used to inform the interview outline and data analysis. Interview transcripts were coded line-by-line and mapped to domains in accordance with the ITHBC, using both deductive and inductive content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 16 participants were interviewed (aged 35 to 67). Twenty-three themes (12 facilitators and 11 barriers) were mapped onto the three domains (knowledge and belief, social facilitation, and self-regulation skill and ability) of ITHBC as facilitators and barriers to lymphedema self-management. Three additional themes including limited treatment resources for lymphedema, inconvenience of lymphedema management, boredom and tedium of lymphedema self-management were categorized under the domain of other barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating these findings into the ITHBC framework allows for a more systematic selection of theory-based strategies that may improve the design of effective lymphedema self-management interventions for breast cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Elucidating impact factors, especially facilitators and barriers, for lymphedema self-management adherence is essential for developing effective intervention programs to enhance breast cancer survivors' lymphedema self-management behaviors.

Factors associated with lymphedema self-management behaviours among breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this empirical study was to explore the current status and associated factors of lymphedema self-management behaviours among Chinese breast cancer survivors. BACKGROUND: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a lifetime concern for survivors and is currently incurable. Lifetime lymphedema self-management takes a significant role in preventing development and progression of lymphedema. Understanding influencing factors of lymphedema self-management behaviours can help to develop targeted intervention programs. DESIGN: A multicentre cross-sectional study. METHODS: From December 2021 to April 2022, a convenience sample of 586 participants were recruited at four tertiary hospitals in four cities in China. Self-reported questionnaires were used to measure socio-demographic characteristics, disease-and treatment-related characteristics, lymphedema self-management behaviours, lymphedema knowledge, illness perception, self-efficacy, self-regulation and social support. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were conducted. This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057084), and was reported followed the STROBE checklist. RESULTS: Breast cancer survivors reported moderate level of lymphedema self-management behaviours. Promotion of lymph reflux management was ranked the least performed self-management behaviours, while the affected limb protection management ranked the most. 36.2% of self-management behaviours was explained by exercise regularly, level of attention on lymphedema prevention, unclear about the tumour stage (vs. stage I), knowledge, self-efficacy, emotional illness representation and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphedema self-management behaviours of breast cancer survivors was insufficient. Performance of lymphedema self-management varied with different socio-demographic characteristics, along with different levels of knowledge, self-efficacy, perception and social support. All these identified predictors should be reckoned in assessment and intervention of lymphedema self-management behaviours. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study addressed that breast cancer survivors' lymphedema self-management behaviours should be promoted. Focusing on identified predictors, further lymphedema surveillance, knowledge education or social facilitation programs are recommended to enhance their self-management performance and adherence.

Predicting lymphedema self-management behaviours in breast cancer patients: A structural equation model with the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change.

AIMS: To explore predictors of lymphedema self-management behaviours among Chinese breast cancer survivors based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change, and to clarify the interrelationship among these variables. DESIGN: Further analysis of a multicentre cross-sectional and survey-based study. METHODS: A total of 586 participants with breast cancer were recruited from December 2021 to April 2022 in different cities in China. We used self-reported questionnaires to collect data. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and structural equation model were performed. RESULTS: The Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change is suitable for predicting lymphedema self-management behaviours. The final structural model showed good model fit. Social support, self-efficacy and lymphedema knowledge positively affected lymphedema self-management behaviours, directly and indirectly. Self-regulation acted as a crucial mediator between these variables and self-management. The direct path between social support and self-regulation was not significant. Lymphedema knowledge and social support also influenced self-management via illness perception, self-efficacy and self-regulation, sequentially. These variables explained 55.9% of the variance in lymphedema self-management behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: The modified model based on the Integrated Theory of Health Behaviour Change fitted well in predicting lymphedema self-management behaviours among breast cancer patients. Lymphedema knowledge, illness perception, self-efficacy, social support and self-regulation directly and indirectly influenced lymphedema self-management behaviours. IMPACT: This study provides a theoretical basis for the assessment and interventions of lymphedema self-management behaviours in breast cancer patients. Lymphedema self-management behaviours should be assessed regularly and comprehensively, taking these predictors into consideration to identify potential barriers. Further research is needed to explore effective interventions integrating these significant predictors. REPORTING METHOD: This study was reported following Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross-sectional studies. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contributed to the design or conduct of the study, analysis or interpretation of the data, or in the preparation of the manuscript. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: This study focused on identifying and predicting mechanism of self-management based on a theory of behaviour change. The results can be applied among patients with other chronic diseases or high-risk populations, and inspire the assessment and interventions facilitating self-management behaviours. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study was registered as an observational study at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200057084). IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: For breast cancer patients with poor lymphedema self-management behaviour, attention should be raised among nurses and involved healthcare staffs that lymphedema self-management is multi-faced. Strategies targeted at improving social support, self-regulation, knowledge, self-efficacy and illness perception should be also addressed in lymphedema self-management programs, to facilitate more effective improvement of lymphedema self-management behaviours.

Risk prediction models for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To review and critically evaluate currently available risk prediction models for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, WangFang Data, VIP Database were searched from inception to April 1, 2022, and updated on November 8, 2022. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. The Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability. Meta-analysis of AUC values of model external validations was performed using Stata 17.0. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were included, reporting twenty-two prediction models, with the AUC or C-index ranging from 0.601 to 0.965. Only two models were externally validated, with the pooled AUC of 0.70 (n = 3, 95%CI: 0.67 to 0.74), and 0.80 (n = 3, 95%CI: 0.75 to 0.86), respectively. Most models were developed using classical regression methods, with two studies using machine learning. Predictors most frequently used in included models were radiotherapy, body mass index before surgery, number of lymph nodes dissected, and chemotherapy. All studies were judged as high overall risk of bias and poorly reported. CONCLUSIONS: Current models for predicting BCRL showed moderate to good predictive performance. However, all models were at high risk of bias and poorly reported, and their performance is probably optimistic. None of these models is suitable for recommendation in clinical practice. Future research should focus on validating, optimizing, or developing new models in well-designed and reported studies, following the methodology guidance and reporting guidelines.

Financial toxicity experienced by patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review on financial toxicity of breast cancer-related lymphedema. METHODS: Seven databases were searched on September 11, 2022. Eligible studies were identified, analyzed, and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Empirical studies were appraised by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool version 2018 was used to assess the mixed method studies. RESULTS: A total of 963 articles were identified, but only 7 articles reporting on 6 studies met the eligibility criteria. A 2-year treatment for lymphedema was approximately USD$14,877 to USD$23,167 in America. In Australia, the average out-of-pocket costs ranged from A$207 to A$1400 (USD$156.26 to USD$1056.83) per year. Outpatient visits, compressed clothing, and hospital admissions were the dominant costs. The financial toxicity was associated with the severity of lymphedema, and patients with heavy financial burden had to reduce other expenses or even forgo the treatment. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer-related lymphedema aggravated the economic burden of patients. The included studies showed great variation in the methods used and therefore differences in cost results. The national government should further improve the healthcare system and increase the insurance coverage of lymphedema treatment to alleviate this burden. More research is needed to focus on financial toxicity experience of breast cancer patients with lymphedema. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: The cost of the ongoing treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema influences patients' economic situation and quality of life. Survivors need to be informed early about the potential financial burden associated with lymphedema treatment.

Risk factors of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: protocol of an umbrella review.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a progressive and debilitating complication post-breast cancer treatment. Identifying potential risk factors facilitates the prevention and management of BCRL. Multiple systematic reviews have been conducted to address the variables correlated with the occurrence of BCRL. This study aims to identify and examine factors predicting the development of BCRL, to clarify the predicting mechanism of these factors, as well to determine the credibility of risk factors for BCRL. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This umbrella review will be conducted with the methodological guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Cochrane handbook. A comprehensive systematic search will be performed in ten databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, SinoMed, Wangfang database, the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The search for unpublished studies will include ProQuest and the PROSPERO register. Reference lists will also be hand searched. Two reviewers will independently screen the studies, extract data and assess the methodological quality using the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 and the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews. The degree of overlap between included reviews will be assessed by calculating the Corrected Covered Area. The credibility of the associations between risk factors and lymphoedema will be graded into four classes: convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive and weak, referring to the classification system of recent umbrella reviews. A descriptive, narrative synthesis and suggestions for clinical practice and future research will be made based on included systematic reviews, considering the quality of the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for this umbrella review. We will seek to submit the results for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or present it at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022375710.

Can chronoradiotherapy offer benefits to cervical cancer patients? A scoping review.

The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize the available evidence and evaluate the effectiveness of chronoradiotherapy interventions in cervical cancer patients. This scoping review was performed by searching in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Wenpu, and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) databases. Databases were searched for studies published in English or Chinese from inception to 21 May 2021, and reference lists of relevant reports were scanned. Two investigators independently screened eligible studies in accordance with predetermined eligibility criteria and extracted data. The included studies were summarized and analyzed. Five studies including a total of 422 patients with cervical cancer were included in the scoping review; four studies were Chinese, and one was Indian. Main themes identified included the efficiency of chronoradiotherapy and relevant toxic and side effects, including diarrhea toxicity, hematologic toxicity, myelosuppression, gastrointestinal mucositis, and skin reactions. Administration of radiotherapy at different times of the day resulted in similar efficacy. However, the toxic side effects of morning radiotherapy (MR) and evening radiotherapy (ER) differed, with radiotherapy in the evening leading to more severe hematologic toxicity and myelosuppression. There were conflicting conclusions about gastrointestinal reactions with chronoradiotherapy, and further studies are needed. Radiation responses may be associated with circadian genes, through the influence of cell cycles and apoptosis.

Experiences of breast cancer survivors with lymphedema self-management: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

PURPOSE: This study systematically identified, evaluated, and synthesized qualitative literature on the experiences of breast cancer survivors with lymphedema self-management. METHODS: This systematic review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach and was guided by the ENTREQ, graded according to the ConQual approach, and evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI). Qualitative studies related to the experiences in lymphedema self-management among breast cancer survivors conducted until March 9, 2022, were searched. The selected studies were reviewed independently, and the data were synthesized collaboratively into core themes. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies were included, and 85 findings resulted in three synthesis findings: (a) breast cancer survivors face challenges in lymphedema self-management, (b) breast cancer survivors are entangled in rebuilding a new balance between different roles, and (c) breast cancer survivors seek internal and external resources to regulate negative emotions. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphedema self-management is a lifetime commitment and a challenge for breast cancer survivors, who find it difficult to adhere to self-management and cope with their problems. They require timely and continuous effective self-management education, and instrumental and emotional support from others, particularly healthcare providers and family members. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Timely self-management education and access to lymphedema treatment and related resources are important for survivors to prevent and manage lymphedema. Breast cancer survivors should develop coping skills, and family members should participate in survivors' lymphedema self-management.

Risk factors of unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 84 cohort studies.

PURPOSE: To review and update the incidence and risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema based on cohort studies. METHODS: The study was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, and Wan Fang Database were searched from inception to November 15, 2021. Cohort studies reported adjusted risk factors were selected. PRISMA guideline was followed. Study quality were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effects models were adopted. The robustness of pooled estimates was validated by meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Lymphedema incidence and adjusted risk factors in the multivariable analyses with hazard / odds ratios and 95% CIs were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-four cohort studies involving 58,358 breast cancer patients were included. The pooled incidence of lymphedema was 21.9% (95% CI, 19.8-24.0%). Fourteen factors were identified including ethnicity (black vs. white), higher body mass index, higher weight increase, hypertension, higher cancer stage (III vs. I-II), larger tumor size, mastectomy (vs. breast conservation surgery), axillary lymph nodes dissection, more lymph nodes dissected, higher level of lymph nodes dissection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery complications, and higher relative volume increase postoperatively. Additionally, breast reconstruction surgery, and adequate finance were found to play a protective role. However, other variables such as age, number of positive lymph nodes, and exercise were not correlated with risk of lymphedema. CONCLUSION: Treatment-related factors still leading the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Other factors such as postoperative weight increase and finance status also play a part. Our findings suggest the need to shift the focus from treatment-related factors to modifiable psycho-social-behavioral factors.

The effect of chronoradiotherapy on cervical cancer patients: A multicenter randomized controlled study.

Objectives: To investigate the short-term efficacy and radiotoxicity 3.543of chronoradiotherapy in patients with cervical cancer. We also examined the overall symptom score and quality of life (QOL) of patients who underwent morning radiotherapy and evening radiotherapy. Methods: We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of morning radiotherapy (9:00-11:00 AM) with evening radiotherapy (7:00-9:00 PM) in cervical cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. From November 2021 to June 2022, 114 cervical cancer patients admitted to eight cancer center hospitals in Tianjin, Chongqing, Hubei, Shanxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Hebei, and Cangzhou were randomly divided into the morning radiotherapy group (MG; N = 61) and the evening radiotherapy group (EG; N = 53). The short-term efficacy of radiotherapy on cervical cancer patients at different time points and the occurrence of radiotoxicity were explored after patients had undergone radiotherapy. Results: The total effective response (partial remission [PR] + complete remission [CR]) rate was similar across the two groups (93.5% vs. 96.3%, p > 0.05). However, the incidence of bone marrow suppression and intestinal reaction in the two groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). The patients in the MG had significantly higher Anderson symptom scores than patients in the EG (21.64 ± 7.916 vs. 18.53 ± 4.098, p < 0.05). In terms of physical activity, functional status, and overall QOL, the MG had significantly lower scores than the EG (p < 0.05). No other measures showed a significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: The radiotherapy effect of the MG was consistent with that of the EG. The incidence of radiation enteritis and radiation diarrhea in the MG was significantly higher than that in the EG; however, bone marrow suppression and blood toxicity in the EG were more serious than in the MG. Because of the small sample size of the study, we only examined the short-term efficacy of radiotherapy. Therefore, further clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy and side effects of chronoradiotherapy. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx, Registration Number: ChiCTR2100047140.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a lymphoedema self-management behaviour questionnaire for breast cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: The study was aimed to develop and evaluate a lymphoedema self-management behaviour questionnaire (LSMBQ) for breast cancer patients. METHODS: The initial version of the behaviour questionnaire was developed based on the framework of self-management and the evidence summary of lymphoedema self-management. Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted to validate the questionnaire's content validity. A cross-sectional survey was then conducted in breast wards of two hospitals in China to evaluate the reliability and validity of this scale. Exploratory structural equation model was used to test the construct validity. T-test was used to analyse the known group validity. Structural equation model was applied to verify the relationship between self-efficacy, social support, and lymphoedema self-management behaviour to test the convergent validity. Also, the internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: The questionnaire's content validity was satisfactory. There were 22 items included in the LSMBQ for validation and 260 completed the survey. A six-factor structure with good construct validity was identified. The result of t-test verified that patients who knew the risk of lymphoedema and those who received lymphoedema health education had higher scores of lymphoedema self-management behaviours (P < 0.05), indicating that the questionnaire has good known group validity. The fitting results of the structural equation model indicated that the 22-item questionnaire had good convergent validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and test-retest reliability for the total questionnaire were 0.910 and 0.875, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 22-item LSMBQ appears to have adequate reliability and validity to assess the lymphoedema self-management behaviours for breast cancer patients.

Benefits of weight loss programs for breast cancer survivors: a systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and weight gain have been associated with poor disease-specific and health-related outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS). But the benefits of weight loss in managing BCS have not been elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the beneficial effects of weight loss programs in randomized controlled trials on BCS. METHODS: We searched English databases PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Chinese databases China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu Information Chinese Periodical Service Platform (VIP), China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), and Wanfang from the inception to January 2021 and collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of weight loss programs for BCS. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. The data synthesis was performed on RevMan (version 5.3), and the publication bias was calculated with STATA (version 15.1). RESULTS: Ten RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The current study showed that diet and exercise interventions resulted in significant improvements in body weight (MD = - 4.43 kg, 95%CI: - 6.23 to - 2.63, P < 0.00001), waist circumference (MD = - 2.81 cm, 95%CI: - 4.37 to - 1.26, P = 0.004), hip circumference (MD = - 3.01 cm, 95%CI: - 4.24 to - 1.77, P < 0.0001), body mass index (MD = - 1.69 kg/m2, 95%CI: - 2.16 to - 1.21, P < 0.00001), systolic blood pressure (MD = - 12.12 mmHg, 95%CI: - 18.97 to - 5.27), p = 0.0005), C-reactive protein (MD = - 1.83 mg/L, 95% CI: - 2.74 to - 0.91, p < 0.0001), body fat (MD = - 1.19 kg, 95%CI: - 1.75 to - 0.63, P < 0.001), fat mass (MD = - 2.29 kg, 95%CI: - 3.12 to - 1.46, P < 0.0001), and lean body mass (MD = - 2.15 kg, 95%CI: - 3.66 to - 0.65, P = 0.005). Alternatively, compared with the effects of control interventions, weight loss programs did not affect fat-free mass, total cholesterol, low-density leptin cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and leptin (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This review summarizes the benefits of weight loss programs for BCS. The results indicated that weight loss programs could significantly improve specific anthropometric outcomes but not affect biochemical indicators. Researchers should tailor weight loss interventions to the body fat status of BCS. Evidence to support the translation of effective weight loss intervention programs into wider-scale implementation is needed to be part of routine survivorship care.

Benefits of Dietary Management in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research recommendations include guidance on diet, nutrition, and weight management for people with cancer. However, for women diagnosed with breast cancer there is a lack of comprehensive analyses on the effects of dietary interventions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in dietary behavior and body composition on breast cancer development. A comprehensive and systematic literature search of 12 electronic databases was undertaken on January 27, 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of dietary interventions for breast cancer. The Cochrane risk bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the trials identified with the data analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 software. The results showed that dietary interventions probably did not modify servings of fruit (P = 0.08), fat intake (P = 0.10), total cholesterol level (P = 0.82), body weight (P = 0.08), waist circumference (P = 0.15), or waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.32). However, a significant reduction in body mass index (P = 0.03), and hip circumference (P = 0.03), and improvement in energy intake (P = 0.02), vegetable servings (P < 0.0001), and fiber intake (P < 0.00001) were observed. Future studies should investigate the benefits of exercise in combination with dietary interventions in breast cancer patients.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1957129.

The prevalence of frailty among breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Coexistence of frailty and breast cancer (BC) is related to a higher risk of hospitalization, mortality, and falls. Given the potential reversibility of frailty, investigating its epidemiology in BC is of great importance. However, estimates of the prevalence of frailty in BC patients vary considerably. We synthesized the existing body of literature on the prevalence of frailty among BC patients. METHODS: We searched English databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang, CBM, and VIP database) from the inception to April 15, 2021, and collected observational studies about the prevalence of frailty among BC patients. The robustness of the pooled estimates was validated by analysis of different subgroups, meta-regression, and sensitivity. All data were analyzed using Stata 15.1. RESULTS: In total, 4645 articles were screened and data from 24 studies involving 13,510 subjects were used in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of frailty among BC patients in individual studies varied from 5 to 71%. The pooled prevalence of frailty was 43% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 36% to 50%, I2 = 98.4%, P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the therapeutic method, frailty scales, age, frailty stage, regions, publication years, and study quality were associated with the prevalence of frailty among BC patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty among BC patients was relatively high, and the conditions of BC treatment can increase the risk of frailty. Understanding the effects of frailty on BC, especially in elderly patients, can provide the healthcare personnel with the theoretical basis for patients' management and treatment.

Effectiveness of physical exercise on the cardiovascular system in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study is to structure the available evidence relating to physical exercise programs and their impact on patients' cardiovascular system during the convalescence for breast cancer. METHODS: We searched six English databases and four Chinese databases from inception to May 19, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data. They assessed the risk of bias according to the eligibility criteria, and the Cochrane Collaboration RevMan 5.3.0 version software and STATA 15.0 software were used for this meta-analysis. This study has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021226319). RESULTS: In total, 3483 articles were screened and data from 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 666 breast cancer patients were used in this meta-analysis. The results showed that exercise could decrease systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.006), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.0003), triglycerides (TG) levels (P < 0.00001), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.009). Results also showed that exercise could significantly increase peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (P = 0.009), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (P = 0.01), and High-density leptin cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (P < 0.0001). However, compared with the control group, there was no significant changes of mean arterial pressure (MAP), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and peak respiratory exchange ratio (PERpeak) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise could improve the cardiovascular system function associated with decreased the levels of SBP, DBP, TG, and increased the levels of VO2peak, VO2max, and HDL-C in breast cancer patients. These findings reveal that exercise may be a promising means for cardiovascular nursing.

The scalp cooling therapy for hair loss in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically assess the efficacy and side effects of scalp cooling in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in October 2020 across Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and four Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, and VIP database). Our review included all randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies. Two authors independently searched databases, screened studies, extracted data, and evaluated each included study's methodological quality and risk bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.1 software package and Revman 5.3 software, with estimates of scalp cooling effect and its side effects from pooled using a random-effects model. This study has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, CRD42020216224). RESULTS: In total, 755 articles were screened and data from 27 studies involving 2202 participants were used in the meta-analysis. Studies meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were three randomized clinical trials, 12 cohort studies, and 12 cross-sectional studies. The effectiveness rate of using a scalp cooling device to protect hair was 61% (95% CI: 55 to 67%, I2 = 88%, P = 0.000). However, scalp cooling therapy's side effects are not be ignored, such as headache, dizziness, scalp pain, neck pain, feeling cold, heaviness of the head, skin rash, nausea, and overtightened strap. CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that scalp cooling devices can significantly improve the patients with breast cancer chemotherapy-induced alopecia, but the implications of its side effects provide guide for the implementation of this technology.