Breast cancer-related lymphoedema risk reduction advice: a challenge for health professionals.
Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a debilitating, distressing condition affecting approximately one in five breast cancer survivors (Clark B, Sitzia J, Harlow W. Incidence and risk of arm oedema following treatment for breast cancer: a three-year follow-up study. QJM 2005;98:343-8). The evidence-base for breast cancer-related lymphoedema risk reduction advice is scant and contradictory, with most studies in the area limited by small numbers, retrospective design and other methodological inadequacies. Current advice has the capacity to profoundly alter quality of life following treatment for breast cancer. Health professionals should review the risk reduction advice they provide to reflect the current understanding of aetiology and risk factors. Further research is required to provide more evidence for the content, to identify optimal methods of precautionary education delivery and to determine the effect of the advice on the patient's quality of life and perception of recovery.
Nielsen
Ilsa
I
Discipline of Physiotherapy, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia. ilsa_nielsen@health.qld.gov.au
Gordon
Susan
S
Selby
Anita
A
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012720:Severity of Illness Index