A randomized controlled trial of weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is considered a risk factor for the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema of the arm and as a poor prognostic factor in response to lymphedema treatment. The objective of this study was to examine weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema.


METHODS
Twenty-one women with breast cancer-related lymphedema were randomized either to receive dietary advice for weight reduction or to receive a booklet on general healthy eating. They were monitored for 12 weeks.


RESULTS
The primary outcome measure was arm volume at 12 weeks. The results indicated a significant reduction in swollen arm volume at the end of the 12-week period (P = .003) in the intervention weight-reduction group. There was a significant reduction in body weight (P = .02) and body mass index (P = .016) in the weight-reduction group at the end of the 12-week study period.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss achieved by dietary advice to reduce energy intake can reduce breast cancer-related lymphedema significantly.
Shaw
Clare
C
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. clare.shaw@rhs.uk
Mortimer
Peter
P
Judd
Patricia A
PA
D015992:Body Mass Index; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss