Care Plan for Breast Cancer Management

Category / Primary Body System

• Oncology / Breast Health

Problem

• Patient has breast cancer.

Goal

• Patient will not exhibit signs or symptoms of recurrent breast cancer for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Monitor for signs of recurrent breast cancer, including unilateral single mass or thickening of the breast, especially in the upper outer quadrant. Typically, the mass is painless, non-tender, hard, irregular in shape, and non-mobile.
   • Notify the MD immediately if any new cancer sites or symptoms are noticed.

2. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Provide emotional support to the patient and family regarding the diagnosis and ongoing treatment.

3. Hormonal Management

   • Avoid all estrogen products to reduce the risk of hormone-related cancer recurrence.

4. Patient Education

   • Encourage monthly breast self-examinations and educate the patient on how to perform them correctly.

Rationale

1. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regular monitoring for signs of recurrence ensures early detection and timely intervention, improving the patient's prognosis.

2. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Providing emotional support helps the patient and family cope with the diagnosis and treatment, improving overall well-being.

3. Hormonal Management

   • Avoiding estrogen products reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, particularly in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

4. Patient Education

   • Monthly self-examinations empower the patient to participate in their own care and detect any changes early.

Actions

1. Monitoring and Assessment

   • Regularly assess the breast area for signs of recurrence, such as a new mass or thickening, and document findings.
   • Report any new symptoms or changes in the breast tissue to the MD immediately.

2. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Offer counseling services and support groups to the patient and family.
   • Provide a supportive environment where the patient and family can express their feelings and concerns.

3. Hormonal Management

   • Ensure the patient avoids all estrogen-containing products, including certain medications and over-the-counter supplements.
   • Educate the patient about potential sources of estrogen and the importance of avoiding them.

4. Patient Education

   • Teach the patient how to perform monthly breast self-examinations, providing written and visual aids as needed.
   • Schedule regular follow-ups to reinforce the importance of self-examinations and address any questions or concerns.