Lymphedema following breast cancer treatment and impact on quality of life: A review |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States;2. Department of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States;1. Cardiovascular Center at Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Mass;2. The Center for Molecular Imaging, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Tex;1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;2. Department of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;3. Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;4. Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;2. Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA;1. Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;2. Chris O''Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia;3. School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia;4. Royal Brisbane and Women''s Hospital, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia;5. Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment is a chronic condition which can significantly compromise quality of life. We sought to review various aspects of breast-cancer related lymphedema including measurement techniques, definitions, risk factors, and specifically, impact on physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of women treated for breast cancer. For the purpose of this review, we performed a literature search using PubMed for articles on lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment published since 1997. While improvements in breast cancer therapy have contributed to a decrease in the incidence of lymphedema, the overall negative impact the condition has on patients and survivors has remained unchanged. The development of lymphedema results in physical impairments including compromised function, diminished strength, fatigue, and pain in the affected arm. Affected women may have decreased self-confidence resulting from a distorted body image. Negative emotions reported by women with lymphedema include anxiety, frustration, sadness, anger, fear, and increased self-consciousness. Lymphedema secondary to breast cancer treatment remains a significant quality of life issue, with known consequences related to a woman's physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. |
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| Keywords: | Lymphedema Breast cancer Quality of life |
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