Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41779219›Full record

ArticleSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2026

Experience of family caregivers of breast cancer-related lymphedema patients participating in lymphedema management: a phenomenological study.

Qian Wang, Yun Cheng, Lingxia Kong, Xia Shen, Xiao Chen, Hong Qian, Lei Jiang

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Article in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Qian WangWuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Yun ChengAffiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Lingxia KongWuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Xia ShenWuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Xiao ChenAffiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Hong QianAffiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Lei JiangDepartment of Radiology, Hua Dong Sanatorium, Wuxi, China. jiang178dajishan@163.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHome-based maintenance treatment is necessary for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema even after their treatment regimen is finished. There is limited understanding regarding the involvement and experiences of family caregivers in effectively managing lymphedema. Therefore, this study aims to explore the daily experiences of family caregivers in order to enhance their home care plans for lymphedema management.

methodsEmploying phenomenological research methods, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 family caregivers responsible for the care of breast cancer-related lymphedema patients. The content of the interviews was transcribed and analyzed using Nvivo12.0 software and Colaizzi's 7-step method.

resultsA total of three themes and eight subthemes were extracted from this study: (1) a fragmented understanding of lymphedema; (2) contradictory caregiving behaviors; and (3) systemic challenges in daily care.

conclusionsBy qualitatively exploring the caregiving experiences through interviews with these 12 family caregivers, this study offers valuable insights to medical professionals involved in patient care services. It is recommended that a family-centered empowerment model (FCEM) be employed as a basis for developing and implementing a comprehensive family management program aimed at equipping family caregivers with professional knowledge, enhancing their ability to manage lymphedema effectively, promoting patients' health recovery, and improving their overall well-being.

Indexed as

Breast Cancer LymphedemaBreast NeoplasmsCaregiversFamilyHome Care ServicesAdultAgedFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchBreast cancer–related lymphedemaFamily caregiverLymphedema managementQualitative research

Identifiers

PMID41779219
PMCPMC12960374

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