Abstract
Breast cancer-related arm lymphedema is a serious complication that can adversely affect quality of life. Identifying risk factors that contribute to the development of lymphedema is vital for identifying avenues for prevention. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the development of arm lymphedema and both treatment and personal (e.g., obesity) risk factors. Women diagnosed with breast cancer in Iowa during 2004 and followed through 2010, who met eligibility criteria, were asked to complete a short computer assisted telephone interview about chronic conditions, arm activities, demographics, and lymphedema status. Lymphedema was characterized by a reported physician-diagnosis, a difference between arms in the circumference (> 2cm), or the presence of multiple self-reported arm symptoms (at least two of five major arm symptoms, and at least four total arm symptoms). Relative risks (RR) were estimated using logistic regression. Arm lymphedema was identified in 102 of 522 participants (19.5%). Participants treated by both axillary dissection and radiation therapy were more likely to have arm lymphedema than treated by either alone. Women with advanced cancer stage, positive nodes, and larger tumors along with a body mass index > 40 were also more likely to develop lymphedema. Arm activity level was not associated with lymphedema. Surgical methods, cancer characteristics and obesity were found to contribute to the development of arm lymphedema. Vigorous arm activity post-surgery was not found to increase the risk of arm lymphedema.
Highlights
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancers among women [1]
This study looked at the association between the development of lymphedema and treatment and personal risk factors among a cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Iowa during 2004 and followed through 2010 for symptoms of lymphedema
Participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 (35.9%) were more likely to develop lymphedema (RR=2.15, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.35, 3.42) than those with a BMI
Summary
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer excluding non-melanoma skin cancers among women [1]. Lymphedema of the arm (here forward referred to as lymphedema) is believed to be a treatment complication that adversely affects breast cancer survivors. There is conflicting information regarding which treatments are risk factors and limited research on other risk factors for lymphedema. Lymphedema causes the accumulation of fluid (swelling) in the arm and 15-20% of breast cancer survivors are expected to develop this condition in their lifetimes [4]. Breast cancer-related arm lymphedema is a serious complication that can adversely affect quality of life. Identifying risk factors that contribute to the development of lymphedema is vital for identifying avenues for prevention. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the development of arm lymphedema and both treatment and personal (e.g., obesity) risk factors
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
