Factors That Affect Intention to Avoid Strenuous Arm Activity After Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Information about lymphedema distributed to patients by healthcare professionals should be updated to reflect evidence and address the risk of developing lymphedema relevant to the patients' surgery.

Segmental measurement of breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema using perometry and bioimpedance spectroscopy

“…Across segments for both devices, there was a significant linear component to the change in inter-limb segment ratios (F (1, 28) =11.97, p=0.002) and a significant quadratic component (F (1,28) =10.50, p=0.003). This supports visual inspection of the data in Fig.…”

“…Upper limb lymphoedema remains a feared consequence of the treatments for breast cancer [1] and has been reported to affect 33% of women in the 18 months following surgery [2]. Lymphoedema is not necessarily uniform in distribution, and may instead develop in a localised arm segment, often around the elbow in the distal forearm or the proximal upper arm [3][4][5][6].…”

A qualitative assessment of upper quarter dysfunction reported by physical therapists treated for breast cancer or treating breast cancer sequelae

“…In addition to physical upper quarter dysfunction that limits activity, fear is a factor that has been identified in the literature as impacting a patient's function [43,44]. Some of our participants reported hesitation at completing activities that were a part of their pretreatment daily routine.…”

Effect of air travel on lymphedema risk in women with history of breast cancer

“…The inability to identify reliably the precipitating factors that cause lymphedema to appear or worsen has served to foster fear and frustration in women who may be at risk by virtue of prior breast cancer [1,2]. Many patient education materials continue to promulgate behavioural and lifestyle adaptations purported to limit or minimize risk of lymphedema [3].…”