The Effect of Dyadic Self-Care Education Provided to Breast Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyads on Patient and Caregiver Outcomes

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of dyadic self-care education provided to breast cancer patient-caregiver dyads receiving outpatient chemotherapy on patient self-care behaviors, anxiety levels, and caregiver anxiety levels and caregiver burden. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a dyadic self-care education intervention or routine care. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and follow-up using validated instruments.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients: * Female patients aged 18 years or older. * Diagnosed with stage II or III breast cancer. * Aware of their breast cancer diagnosis. * Receiving outpatient chemotherapy after mastectomy. * Having received at least one cycle of an EC (epirubicin-cyclophosphamide) or AC (doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy regimen. * Able to read and write Turkish. * Having a primary caregiver who is willing to participate in the study. * Living with the primary caregiver. * Conscious, able to communicate effectively, and able to provide informed consent. * No diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Primary Caregivers: * Aged 18 years or older. * Able to read and write Turkish. * Living with the patient. * Being the patient's spouse, parent, child, friend, or another relative. * Assuming the main responsibility for the patient's care. * Willing and able to cooperate and provide informed consent. * No diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Exclusion Criteria: Patients: * Having experienced a major adverse life event within the previous 3 months, such as bereavement or divorce. * Admission to an intensive care unit during the study. * Progression of the disease to stage IV breast cancer. * Death or loss to follow-up. Primary Caregivers: * Having experienced a major adverse life event within the previous 3 months, such as bereavement or divorce. * Deterioration in health that prevents continued participation. * Transfer of the primary caregiving responsibility to another person.