title: Treating breast cancer-related lymphoedema at the London Haven: clinical audit results.
abstract: Lymphoedema is recognised as a significant management problem for both patients and clinicians. Around 25% of those undergoing axillary intervention as treatment for breast cancer will go on to develop some degree of lymphoedema, which will impact their everyday life and wellbeing [Moffatt et al., 2003. Quarterly Journal of Medicine 96, 731-738; Mortimer et al., 1996. Quarterly Journal of Medicine 89, 377-380; Tobin et al., 1993. Cancer 72, 3248-3252]. This paper outlines an audit of the presenting characteristics of all 263 patients seen in The London Haven Lymphoedema Service (TLHLS) between 10th February 2000 and 4th June 2003 for treatment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema and reports outcomes of treatment: Results highlight the key issues around current practice at the London Haven and the need for further research in promising areas in lymphoedema management.
authors.affiliation: The London Haven, Effie Road, Fulham Broadway, London SW6 1TB, UK.
authors.forename: Eunice
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jeffs
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D001458:Bandages; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome