Impairments of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in the daily lives of patients with breast cancer

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the damage caused by Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) in the daily life of patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy treatment. Methods: This is a descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, with the application of the validated Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool (CIPNAT), addressing the damage of CIPN in the lives of patients undergoing chemotherapy. 196 breast cancer patients from a Chemotherapy Treatment Center in Belém/PA participated. The analysis was based on descriptive statistics. Results: On average, the most affected activities were, in the CIPNAT score from 0 to 10: practicing physical activity (6.98 ± 0.93); enjoy life (6.78 ± 1.35); perform household chores (6.61 ± 1.33) and work (6.09 ± 1.74). Conclusion: NPIQ harms patients' lives and causes deficits in daily activities, work and social fields. Thus, nursing must act in an integral way, to apply care that includes all affected domains; furthermore, it is understood that the CIPNAT instrument can contribute to improving the nursing care provided.