The effect of complementary medicine on the perceived anxiety levels of post surgical breast cancer patients

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Authors
Carpenter, Lorene K.
Advisor
Hodson Carlton, Kay, 1946-
Issue Date
2005
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
School of Nursing
Other Identifiers
Abstract

As the most prevalent form of cancer in American women, breast cancer is an anxiety provoking disease. The current prediction is that one of every eight or nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life (Linton, Matteson, & Maebius, 1995). The perception of anxiety is unique to each individual and presents a challenge for nurses for the health and recovery of the patient. Regrettably, conventional medical practice still treats the physical component-the symptoms of anxiety-with drugs and surgery, often disregarding how the physical body connects with the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being (Seaward, 2002). Complementary medicine, specifically relaxation therapy and guided imagery, may improve perceived anxiety levels for post surgical breast cancer patients.The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of complementary medicine on perceived anxiety of post surgical breast cancer patients', one group with relaxation complementary medicine therapy, one group with guided imagery complementary medicine therapy, and one group with relaxation therapy complementary medicine plus guided imagery complementary medicine. Roy's Adaptation Model will be the theoretical framework for the study.The convenience sampling will consist of at least twenty-five participants per group. All data will be confidential and human rights will be protected. Participation is voluntary and participants can withdraw at any time. The Spielberger Anxiety Scale will be used to determine the patients' perceived anxiety levels at one month, 6 months, and one year after surgery. A pretest/posttest ANOVA design will be used in the comparative descriptive study.This study is significant and worthy of study because it may help breast cancer patients cope more effectively with the anxiety in their lives caused by this devastating disease. It will also help the health care practitioner gain knowledge about the role that complementary medicine can play in helping their patients adapt to having had surgery related to breast cancer.

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