Effect of Preoperative Rehabilitation Exercise on Improving Postoperative Lymphedema, Quality of Life and Care Needs in Patients With Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, with surgery being a primary treatment. However, surgical tumor resection combined with lymph node dissection often leads to upper extremity lymphedema as a complication. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation exercise on upper limb function, lymphedema severity, quality of life, and post-discharge care needs in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery. Participants will be assigned to either an experimental group receiving individualized preoperative rehabilitation exercise instruction or a control group receiving standard clinical nursing education. Outcomes will be measured across seven time points from pre-operation up to one year post-surgery.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with malignant breast cancer confirmed by post-surgical tissue examination. * Receiving primary surgery, including tumor resection combined with axillary lymph node dissection. * Age 20 years or older. * Conscious, able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, aware of diagnosis, capable of completing questionnaires and participating in interventions, and signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment or unaware of diagnosis, unable to complete questionnaires or correctly execute intervention measures. * Patients in the control group who independently schedule outpatient rehabilitation after returning home. * Unable to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese. * Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.