Trends in Risk Reduction Practices for the Prevention of Lymphedema in the First 12 Months after Breast Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Upper extremity volumes fluctuate, and there is a period of latency before development of lymphedema. Despite the low risk of lymphedema after SLNB, most women worry about lymphedema and practice risk reducing behaviors. Additional study into early upper extremity volume changes is warranted to allay the fears of most women and better predict which women will progress to lymphedema.