Extensiveness of breast cancer surgery linked to risk of lymphedema

Breast cancer survivors who have extensive surgery are four times more likely to develop arm lymphedema. According to a new study, the extensiveness of surgery to treat breast cancer proportionately increases the risk of developing the debilitating disorder.

According to the lead author, Tracey DiSipio, PhD, from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia, women who had undergone an axillary lymph node dissection, which is an invasive surgery to remove lymph nodes under the arm, were four times more likely to experience swollen or disfigured arms compared with women who had received a sentinel lymph node biopsy. The study was published in The Lancet Oncology.

"Arm lymphedema is typically characterized by swelling in one or both arms, causing pain, heaviness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion," DiSipio said. "The appearance of the swollen or disfigured arms provides an ever-present reminder of breast cancer and often contributes to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in affected women."

DiSipio said the study, a systematic review of the incidence of arm lymphedema after breast cancer, also found that the condition is diagnosed in one in five women (21.4%). She explained, "This is a significant research finding and provides us with the most accurate incidence rate to date. Until now the incidence rate has been reported as anywhere from 0% to 94%. With this information we can explore whether lymphedema rates differ between breast cancer survivors."

The study also pinpointed a number of risk factors linked to arm lymphedema. Risk increased with a lack of regular physical activity and with a high body mass index. DiSipio said, "These factors are potential targets for future prevention strategies or for more effective management of the disorder."

DiSipio said the results of the study added weight to calls to integrate prospective surveillance of arm lymphedema into standard breast cancer care.

"Currently there are no standardized practices when it comes to detection and treatment of arm lymphedema," she said. "Given most patients present with the arm lymphedema within the first 2 years after breast cancer, more frequent surveillance throughout this time is recommended."

If you or a loved one is undergoing breast cancer treatment, call 713-623-4247 to schedule a free consultation with our ABC/BOC certified compression garment and mastectomy prosthesis fitter.  Kristen and our team will develop a customized approach to helping you maintain your mobility and comfort during and after your cancer treatment.

Top 10 Lymphedema Tips for the Summer

1.  Increase fluid intake, mostly H2O
By increasing your daily water intake, you are telling your body that it has plenty of reserves and as a result it will release fluid out of your body.  If you are not a fan of drinking water, try flavored waters.  Crystal lite offers on-the-go packets, available in delicious flavors such as kiwi-strawberry, cherry pomegranate and raspberry peach.

2.  Try and stay as cool as possible
At times staying cool may seem impossible in 90+ degree weather.  Use fans to help circulate air conditioning while indoors.  Also store plastic bottles of water in the freezer for easy access to cold water when you travel outside.

3.  Avoid tight restrictive clothing
Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing.  Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than those made out of synthetic materials.

4.  Avoid severe sunburns

I like sunscreen products that good for sensitive skin, affordable, waterproof and offer UVA and UVB protection.  Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free Sunblock  SPF 50 is $10 for 8 ounces, Bull Frog Water Armor Sport 50+ is $9.99 for 6 ounces,  Beach Defense Water + Sun Barrier Lotion SPF 30 & 70 is $10.99 for 6.7, or Hydrosport Sunblock Spray SPF 30 by Aveeno is $8.99 for  5 ounces are all great options.

5.  Always use insect repellent
Protecting your skin from insect bites is another top priority during the warm summer months.  Avon carries a strong defense against mosquitos, gnats, ticks, sand flies and other biting insects.  Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Aerosol Spray is $7.99 for 4 ounces of protection.  Another good option is Deep Woods Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent V, 25% DEET, 6 oz for $7.49.  This insect repellant is a reduced DEET product that works well.  It sprays upside down too!   Be sure that you apply insect repellent over your garment.

6.  Try and avoid high sodium foods
Restrict your daily salt intake to between 1,500 – 2,300 mg per day.  Also avoid processed foods as they typically contain a lot of sodium and preservatives.

7.  Protect your handsWhen working in the yard or gardening try and wear glove to protect your hand with upper body edema.  Choose a work glove with a suede leather palm for heavy-duty protection.

8.  Exercise Smart
When exercising outdoors try and do this not in the middle of the day, instead opt for early morning or after sunsets.  Exercise for shorter periods of time, take breaks at regular intervals and always wear compression on the affected limb, unless you are swimming, as water resistance acts as natural compression.

9.  Protect Your Feet
With lower body edema it is a good idea while at the beach wear water shoes as to avoid cuts and scrapes.

10.  Travel Prepared
If possible, talk to your doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics in case of infections.  Also, remember if you are flying, drink plenty of water and make sure you wear your day time compression garments, as the decreased air pressure in the airplane’s cabin may increase your swelling.

For more tips, contact Kristen, our BOC, ABC Certified compression garment fitter at kristen@hairandwellness.com.

Breast Friends Support Group Meet Up

The University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in the Bay Area is sponsoring the Breast Friends Support Group and Educational Program for surrounding communities. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, June 12 from 6-8 p.m at the CHRISTUS St. John West Building.

This month’s meeting will feature two guest speakers—Vicky Moore, OTR, CLT-LANA, lymphedema therapist at UTMB Victoria Lakes and Kristen Anderson-Knowles of Ricky Knowles Hair and Wellness. Vicky will lead a discussion on managing lymphedema, and Kristen will talk about lymphedema sleeves and other related garments for cancer patients.

The purpose of these meetings is to support, uplift and empower patients as they go through this challenging time. Meetings are open to all breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, regardless of where treatment is received, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Meetings take place in the West Building of St. John Hospital, located at 2035 Space Park Drive. No pre-registration is required. For more information contact meeting facilitator Diana Vasquez at (713) 745-2396.

The MD Anderson Regional Care Center in the Bay Area is located on the campus of CHRISTUS St. John Hospital at 18100 St. John Drive. As MD Anderson’s first comprehensive clinical cancer center to open outside of the Texas Medical Center, the Regional Care Center in the Bay Area provides medical and radiation oncology, APBI, chemotherapy infusion, laboratory and pharmacy services and nutritional counseling

For directions or to learn more about the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in the Bay Area visit www.MDAnderson.org/BayArea. For up to date news and information about the Center join the conversation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MDAndersonBayArea.

From the Bay Area Citizen