Self-care for head and neck cancer survivors with lymphedema and fibrosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at high risk for developing lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) following cancer treatment. Once HNC patients develop LEF, they need to conduct life-long self-care to slow LEF progression and reduce associated symptom burden and functional deficits. Data demonstrate that inadequate LEF self-care may be a potentially remediable issue. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Skills model-driven self-care program (SCP) to improve LEF management and reduce LEF-related symptom burden and functional impairments.

Methods/design

This is a three-arm, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial to compare: Group 1 - Usual Care, Group 2 - Usual Car

SUBMITTER: Deng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6935145 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature