Lymphoedema management in breast cancer-related lymphoedema

Research output: Contribution to specialist publicationArticle

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DOI

Due to developments in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, survival
rates are rising. This leads to a population of mainly women, who also
experience breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL). Long after the
cancer has been treated, lymphoedema persists at a time when individuals
have returned to work. Large limb volumes can present a problem to
these individuals and innovative treatments are needed, in order to retain
as much normality as possible and reduce excessive limb volumes that
patients can experience with lymphoedema long after treatment. It is also
important that these treatments do not disrupt daily living and, for some,
work-life balance. With the introduction of wrap around compression
systems and collaborative working with the patient, it is possible to achieve
an acceptable outcome to those patients with these issues. This approach
leads to patient satisfaction and stabilisation of limb volume to within
acceptable limits for these patients, in conjunction with the therapist.

Keywords

  • lymphoedema, Breast Cancer, Survivorship, management
Original languageEnglish
PagesS6-S11
Number of pages5
Volume18
Issue numberSupplement 4
JournalBritish Journal of Community Nursing
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2014
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