Educational nursing intervention to promote health behaviors in cancer survivors

Nuno Peixoto,Tiago Peixoto,Cândida Pinto,Célia Santos

doi:10.12707/rv20090

Abstract

Educational nursing intervention to promote health behaviors in cancer survivors

Highlights

Epidemiological transitions have led to a progressive increase in new cancer cases
As part of a broader research project to develop an educational nursing intervention to increase health-promoting behaviors in cancer survivors, this study explores the key aspects to be integrated into an educational intervention for health behavior promotion in cancer survivors, using a group of experts
The experts agreed that nursing interventions need to focus on teaching/educating about health promotion areas and self-monitoring, and on educating about the “health and social resources available in the community, such as support groups and associations... and when and how to use these resources” (E4)

Summary

Introduction

Epidemiological transitions have led to a progressive increase in new cancer cases. The 5-year and 10-year cancer survival rates have increased due to population aging and, most importantly, the advances in early cancer detection and more effective and targeted treatments. In the United States of America alone, the estimated prevalence of cancer survivors of 16.9 million individuals at the beginning of 2019 is expected to increase to 22.1 million individuals by 2030 (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2019) This issue is even more serious because cancer treatments are associated with high toxicity levels, whose symptoms may develop years after diagnosis and, jeopardize survivors’ health. Studies show that people who have had cancer continue to display health-risk behaviors such as low levels of physical activity, tobacco consumption, overweight, and poor eating habits (Meraviglia et al, 2015) These circumstances call for a joint professional approach that goes beyond diagnosis and treatment and focuses on salutogenic aspects such as health education and restoration. Conclusion: The nursing intervention should be based on a shared decision-making process, take into account the survivor’s preferences and motivation and family members as catalysts for change, foster private emotional expression, and, above all, anticipate the survivor’s needs

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion