title: Quality of life of women with lower-limb lymphedema following gynecological cancer.
abstract: Secondary lower-limb lymphedema can develop following treatment for gynecological cancers, and has debilitating effects on quality of life (QoL). Lymphedema can limit mobility and ability to perform daily activities, and have adverse effects on psychological and social wellbeing. When assessing the effect of lymphedema treatment methods, the focus is on change in clinically measured lymphedema status, rather than QoL outcomes. Considering that treatment for lymphedema involves a significant and ongoing commitment from patients, it is essential to determine whether the benefits to patients outweigh the burden associated with treatment. This article summarizes the results of studies assessing the impact of lower-limb lymphedema on QoL in women with gynecological cancer, evaluates their methodologies and discusses limitations and priorities for future research.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia. anna.finnane@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finnane
authors.forename: Sandra C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Obermair
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Janda
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology*; D011788:Quality of Life