The effect of reflexology on quality of life in Iranian patients with breast cancer.

90 Background: Breast cancer is one the most prevalent cancers among Iranian women. One of the complementary therapies is reflexology. The extant paper has been provided with the objective of determining the effect of reflexology on quality of life of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy in the breast disease center.

METHODS: This study is a randomized clinical trial which has been applied to 60 patients suffering from breast cancer under chemotherapy in breast diseases center, in 2012. The patients were selected randomly in three test, control and placebo groups. In test group, reflexology was implemented for 3 weeks and each session lasted half an hour. In placebo group, only relaxation techniques were implemented for 3 weeks, each session lasted 20-30 minutes. Control group received the routine therapies of breast cancer center.

RESULTS: Data were collected by standard questionnaires of EORTIC QLQ-C30.V.3 and EORTIC QLQ-BR23.V.3. The questionnaires were filled before intervention and two weeks after applying study. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics or quality of life score of three groups, before intervention. Total score of quality of life was higher in interventional group compared to placebo group before and two weeks after intervention (p < 0.001) Results also indicated a significant difference in total score of quality of life between three test, placebo, and control groups after intervention (p < 0.001). A considerable improvement was noticed in the different aspects of quality of life in the test group compared to two other placebo and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Reduction of pain, anxiety, nausea, and other symptoms related to cancer in patients suffering from cancer are assumed as the important cases of nursing cares focus, and precise nursing may diminish these symptoms considerably. Using reflexology in patients suffering from breast cancer may improve the quality of life as an effective method, and can be recommended for use in patients with breast cancer if it is supervised by health system personnel.