Common conservative treatments for lymphoedema post breast cancer: A focus article

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide (J. Ferley et al., 2015). Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a disabling complication with a long term impact on quality on life after breast cancer treatment, with an incidence of 2–5% in patients post sentinel node procedures (M. King et al., 2012) up to 40% following axillary lymph node dissection (A.C. Pereira et al., 2017). BCRL results in swelling of the arm, hand, and trunk which can lead to limb pain, heaviness, and altered sensation (Y.J. Sim et al., 2010). These symptoms can result in functional limitations, psychosocial distress and an overall reduction in quality of life (S.J. Merchant et al., 2015). The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of some of the more common conservative rehabilitation interventions in BCRL. Conservative interventions reviewed include early physiotherapy and exercise, complex decongestive therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, compression, electrotherapy & acupuncture, self-treatment & weight management. The review may inform policies for treatment within the health service.