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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.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Loudon, A and Barnett, T and Williams, A
Keywords:	breast cancer, exercise, journey, lymphoedema, nursing, well-being, women, yoga
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of clinical nursing
Publisher:	Blackwell Publishing Ltd
ISSN:	0962-1067
DOI / ID Number:	10.1111/jocn.13819
Copyright Information:	© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Related URLs:	Google Scholar: Barnett, T UTAS Profile: Barnett, T Google Scholar: Williams, A UTAS Profile: Williams, A
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