Study: Breast Cancer Patients Rarely Warned About Lymphedema

Doctors rarely tell breast cancer patients about the danger of developing lymphedema, even though half will ultimately suffer from persistent and painful swelling that occurs most often in the arm, according to University of Missouri-Columbia researchers.

In interviews with Caucasian women between 47 to 87 who had breast cancer and lymphedema, the researchers said they found that many had failed to receive basic information about preventing the condition.

“Many indicated they were not informed of lymphedema at any time during their medical care for breast cancer, which is alarming because this condition predisposes the women to infection, which can easily become life-threatening," said Puncky Heppner, chair of the department of educational, school and counseling psychology.

Heppner said the researchers found that women with lymphedema experienced a much broader array of physical and psychological difficulties than previously reported, losing interest in their dress, appearance, sexual activity, interpersonal relations, and jobs.

Furthermore, due to lymphedema, some women had difficulty sleeping, carrying items, exercising, including walking, and fitting comfortably into clothes.

“This neglect of lymphedema by health care providers has not only meant that women go undiagnosed and fail to receive basic preventive information but also has inhibited the development of effective psychosocial interventions,” Heppner said.

Other sources: University of Missouri-Columbia