Practical Approach to Establishing a Lymphedema Screening Program: Tips and Tricks

AbstractPurpose of ReviewBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) affects approximately 1 in 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Improvements in overall survival cultivate a focus on breast cancer survivorship and quality of life. While personalized cancer care has allowed us to optimize oncologic outcomes and minimize treatment-related morbidity, treatments rendered for cancer cure continue to place our patients at risk for BCRL.Recent FindingsAlthough there is no definitive cure for BCRL, prospective screening has demonstrated lower rates of BCRL and lower rates of progression to late-stage disease. Prevention of late-stage BCRL in turn improves quality of life and results in overall cost advantage to patients and the health care system. Establishment of BCRL screening requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Understanding diagnostic tools and criteria for BCRL detection is imperative, and the development of an institutional protocol is essential for success.SummaryWith continued advances in breast cancer outcomes, a focus on breast cancer survivorship must be fostered. Institution of BCRL screening is imperative to continue improving our patients ’ survivorship. We hope that education on the importance for BCRL screening, tools for detection and diagnosis, along with the impact of a multidisciplinary approach, can further advance BCRL detection, prevention, and treatment.
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research