Proactive approach to risk reduction and early detection of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

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95 Background: Advances in surgery and post-operative treatment continue to reduce the incidence of late effects of cancer treatment such as lymphedema. Yet, many breast cancer survivors still face considerable post-operative challenges as a result of developing lymphedema. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate an educational and behavioral program “The Optimal YOU” to enhance lymphedema risk reduction among patients with breast cancer. The intervention focuses on preventing inflammation-infection, promoting lymph drainage, and maintaining optimal BMI as well as preoperative and subsequent follow-up assessment of limb volume changes and symptoms. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with repeated-measures was used to assess outcomes of The Optimal YOU program at pre-operative baseline, post-operative, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. A total of 147 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer were recruited and received the program. The program outcome data include lymph volume changes by infra-red perometer-S350, lymphedema-related symptoms by Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index, and body mass index (BMI) by Bioimpedance DF50. Results: Among the 147 patients, 141 patients completed the study (4% attrition rate). Majority (94%) of patients maintained preoperative limb volume and improved their symptom experience at 12-month follow-up. During the 12-month study period, only five patients (6%) developed lymphedema and were referred for lymphedema treatment. At 12-month follow-up, among the five patients who developed measurable lymphedema, two patients’ limb volume returned to pre-operative level without compression therapy only by maintaining exercises of The Optimal YOU to promote daily lymph flow. About 80% of patients maintained or improved their preoperative BMI. Conclusions: The study shows that proactive approach to implementing The Optimal YOU program is effective to risk reduction and early detection of breast cancer-related lymphedema by focusing on preventing inflammation-infection, promoting lymph drainage, and maintaining optimal BMI.