Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Abstract

SUMMARYLymphedema is one of the most common complications to occur after breast cancer treatment. It is an important problem that affects individuals' lifestyles and activities, causing physical and psychosocial problems, and negatively affecting quality of life. Treatment of lymphedema was thought to be impossible in the past, but it has now become possible to manage the condition more effectively with current treatment methods. Nurses, who are important members of the healthcare team, play a key role in helping patients to take responsibility and play an active part in the prevention, management, and follow-up of lymphedema. Nurses should be able to identify patients at high risk for developing lymphedema, provide the necessary training for lymphedema prevention, evaluate lymphedema, and plan for appropriate nursing interventions in the early stages. This literature review aims to inform nurses and other healthcare professionals about lymphedema management.

The Effect of Education on Knowledge Regarding Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Risk Reduction and Prevention Among Nursing Personnel

“…It can be avoided or diminished with the appropriate nursing measures. In order to prevent LE, nurses are essential in assisting patients in accepting accountability for their own LE [ 1 ]. Patients' chances of acquiring breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can be lowered, and the disorder can be minimized by educating them about it.…”

Nurses' knowledge level on lymphedema, attitudes and behaviors towards teaching lymphedema prevention and factors affecting these behaviors

“…6 It causes physical and psychosocial problems in individuals, which is complicated by chronic, progressive and recurrent infections, which often requires hospital admission and can be fatal if untreated or inadequately treated. [7][8][9][10] Cancer patients are at risk for the development of LE, particularly following lymphadenectomy, adjuvant radiotherapy, or associated with important clinical risk factors. 10 Although it is seen in both sexes, it is more common in women.…”

“…2 Age, high body mass index (BMI), hysterectomy, radiotherapy, number of concurrent diseases, surgeon performance, disease stages, degree of disease, number of lymph nodes removed, type of surgery (pelvic and/or para-aortic resection), cancer type and number pose risks for LE in patient. 2,5,7,8,11,12 As there is no cure for LE, precautions and prevention is important for its severe longterm effects and mortality. 8,13,14 It could be prevented or reduced by appropriate nursing interventions.…”

“…8,13,14 It could be prevented or reduced by appropriate nursing interventions. 7 In the prevention of LE, nurses play a vital role in helping people take responsibility for their own LE. 7,15,16 Studies show that most cancer patients are not informed about LE.…”

“…7 In the prevention of LE, nurses play a vital role in helping people take responsibility for their own LE. 7,15,16 Studies show that most cancer patients are not informed about LE. 5,14,17,18 This may be due to the nurses' inadequate knowledge level or not seeing patient education as their role.…”