Seasonal Variation in Upper Limb Size, Volume, Fluid Distribution, and Lymphedema Diagnosis, Following Breast Cancer Treatment

Phillips, J. D.; Witt, Susan; Piller, Neil; Gordon, Susan J.

doi:10.1089/lrb.2022.0017

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…This increase in blood flow may present difficulties for those with impaired lymphatic drainage, causing further oedema. Indeed, this has been reported anecdotally from patients who indicated that increased heat and humidity exacerbated their symptoms of lymphoedema [11,12]. It has also been noted qualitatively that patients report difficulty in wearing compression garments due to discomfort from increased warmth [13,14] and difficulty in donning garments over sweaty, damp skin.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Climate and Climatic Variations’ Impact on Lymphoedema: Patient Perspective

Witt,

Dieterle,

Gordon

et al. 2024

Lymphatics

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Lymphoedema is a chronic and dynamic condition that requires the investment of time and resources to appropriately manage. It fluctuates in response to illness, activity, and age, as well as in response to environmental conditions. This qualitative study explored the impact of the climate and climatic variations on lymphoedema. Focus groups were completed with patients (n = 12) and therapists (n = 7) to explore, in depth, their experiences of managing lymphoedema throughout the year. The results suggested that heat and humidity definitely alter the severity of lymphoedema, and a range of individual strategies are required in order to control symptoms. Central to effectively managing lymphoedema is the notion that every body is different and every lymphoedema is different, and therefore understanding one’s own body, what it needs, and what resources are available is essential in maintaining lymphoedema in the face of climate change.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The limited research addressing quantitative measures in relation to seasonal climatic variation has produced mixed results [16]. One study found no correlation between heat and limb volume or extracellular fluid [12], whilst another reported a low correlation with heat and limb size [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate and Climatic Variations’ Impact on Lymphoedema: Patient Perspective

Witt,

Dieterle,

Gordon

et al. 2024

Lymphatics

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Current evidence on patient precautions for reducing breast cancer-related lymphedema manifestation and progression risks

Hunley,

Doubblestein,

Campione

2024

Med Oncol

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Risk management and self-management strategies for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) must balance best-evidence guidelines and associated risk factor knowledge. There is an evidence-based practice gap in the understanding of whether a change in education about risk factors and whether behavioral changes actually influence BCRL manifestation or progression. The purpose of this study was to (1) review if current evidence supports or refutes patient precautions to prevent the manifestation and/or progression of BCRL, (2) review if behavioral changes result in the prevention or reduction of BCRL, and (3) identify related gaps of knowledge for future research. Evidence map methodology was used to systematically review literature related to reducing the risk of BCRL. Literature searches were conducted in Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane for the categories of trauma, blood pressure, temperature, air travel, and behavior change. One hundred and forty-eight articles were included for full-text review, of which 37 articles were included in this study. Within the confines of limb and trunk circumferential and/or volume enlargement, a ‘just in case’ approach to patient education on risk factors may not be appropriate for breast cancer survivors at risk of manifesting lymphedema. Patient education about precautionary risks for the onset of BCRL needs to align with research evidence. There is scant evidence about the risks of BCRL progression suggesting a need for future research.

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Evidence-based recommendations regarding risk reduction practices for people at risk of or with breast cancer-related lymphedema: consensus from an expert panel

Brunelle,

Jackson,

Shallwani

et al. 2024

Med Oncol

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Several recent studies have investigated the validity of precautionary practices for lymphedema risk reduction after breast cancer treatment, such as avoidance of blood pressure measurements, skin puncture, blood draws, and use of prophylactic compression during air travel. Other studies have elucidated risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema, such as axillary lymph node dissection and skin infection (cellulitis). Combining the current evidence base with the consensus opinion of lymphatic experts assembled at the American Cancer Society/Lymphology Association of North America Summit in October 2023, updated evidence-based risk reduction recommendations are presented for those with or at risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Recommendation topics include prospective surveillance, patient education, individual risk factors, exercise, blood pressure, skin care and hygiene, skin puncture and blood draws, surgical procedures, prophylactic compression, air travel, and hot climate and sauna. These recommendations will help inform education and medical choices for individuals treated for breast cancer who are at risk of or diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema. More highquality evidence is required to allow the development of risk reduction recommendations for other cancer types such as gynecological, melanoma, and head and neck. It is recommended that clinicians and organizations serving people at risk of or with lymphedema align risk reduction guidelines with the evidence-based recommendations provided within this consensus document and companion manuscripts from the American Cancer Society/Lymphology Association of North America Lymphedema Summit: Forward Momentum: Future Steps in Lymphedema Management.

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Seasonal Variation in Upper Limb Size, Volume, Fluid Distribution, and Lymphedema Diagnosis, Following Breast Cancer Treatment

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

Climate and Climatic Variations’ Impact on Lymphoedema: Patient Perspective

Climate and Climatic Variations’ Impact on Lymphoedema: Patient Perspective

Current evidence on patient precautions for reducing breast cancer-related lymphedema manifestation and progression risks

Evidence-based recommendations regarding risk reduction practices for people at risk of or with breast cancer-related lymphedema: consensus from an expert panel

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