Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of a new regimen for malignant wounds in women with advanced breast cancer

Abstract

To investigate the experience of women with advanced breast cancer who have a malignant fungating wound and to test the benefits of a structured, evidence-based, management regimen, combined with psychosocial support. Twelve women with advanced breast cancer were consecutively selected for inclusion in a four-week intervention. The patients were interviewed and the condition of the wounds was recorded before and after the intervention. Prior to the intervention, participants were anxious about seepage, bleeding and odour emanating from the wounds and were concerned these might be obvious to others. After the intervention, nine wounds (75%) showed an improvement, with increased granulation and epithelialisation and complete wound healing in one participant. Seepage was considerably reduced in 83% of cases and there was an average 75% reduction in dressing changes. The women's sense of well-being improved, as did their independence and self-confidence. A wound-care intervention built on evidence-based practice and psychosocial support resulted in an improvement in 75% of the wounds, and increased the women's sense of well-being, independence and security.