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Symptoms: Lymphedema

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Improving Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((BCRF,volume 862))

Abstract

Lymphedema is one of the main late effects from breast cancer treatment affecting 3–60 % of breast cancer survivors. Primarily occurring in the hand, arm, and/or affected breast, symptoms of lymphedema include swelling, pain, redness, restriction of arm/hand movement, tightness and feelings of fullness. These symptoms not only may limit physical functioning but also negatively affect quality of life, body image, social functioning, and financial status of breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. Unfortunately, there are no standardized methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Despite its prevalence and lack of clinical guidelines, lymphedema is one of the most poorly understood, relatively underestimated, and least researched complications of cancer treatment. This chapter reviews the current problem of breast cancer-related lymphedema by investigating prevention and risk reduction strategies, diagnosis, and treatment. In addition, this chapter identifies future research opportunities focusing on prevention and risk reduction strategies, quality of life and physical function, surveillance, patient education, cost, diagnosis, and treatment. Challenges and recommendations for future research in these areas, particularly among underserved populations, are discussed.

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  1. Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA

    Electra D. Paskett Ph.D.

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  1. Electra D. Paskett Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Electra D. Paskett Ph.D. .

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  1. Distinguished Professor of Health Policy & Management and Medicine, Director, Cancer Prevention & Control Research, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Patricia A. Ganz

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© 2015 Breast Cancer Research Foundation

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Paskett, E.D. (2015). Symptoms: Lymphedema. In: Ganz, P. (eds) Improving Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology(), vol 862. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16366-6_8

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