Abstract: Objective: To develop a prevention and control program for lymphedema in breast cancer patients based on Timing It Right theory and evaluate the implementation effects, providing a reference for clinical prevention and management. Methods: A lymphedema prevention and control program based on Timing It Right theory was constructed through semi-structured interviews, literature review, and the Delphi method expert consultation. Using convenience sampling, 52 breast cancer patients admitted to the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Jilin province from June to December 2024 were recruited as the control group and received routine nursing care. Another 52 breast cancer patients admitted from January to March 2025 were recruited as the intervention group, who received routine nursing care plus the aforementioned prevention and control program. The lymphedema prevention compliance scores, upper limb function scores, and incidence of lymphedema of the two groups were compared at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. Results: At 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge, the patients in the intervention group had higher scores in lymphedema prevention compliance and upper limb function compared to the control group. The incidence of lymphedema in the intervention group was 3.85% at 6 months after discharge, which was lower than that in the control group (23.08%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: The lymphedema prevention and control program based on Timing It Right theory can improve patients' adherence to preventive behaviors, enhance upper limb function, and effectively reduce the incidence of lymphedema in breast cancer patients.

Key words: Timing It Right theory; breast cancer; lymphedema; prevention and control program