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  • Title: Lymphedema in breast cancer survivors: assessment and information provision in a specialized breast unit.
    Author: Bani HA, Fasching PA, Lux MM, Rauh C, Willner M, Eder I, Loehberg C, Schrauder M, Beckmann MW, Bani MR.
    Journal: Patient Educ Couns; 2007 Jun; 66(3):311-8. PubMed ID: 17331692.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Assessment and adequate treatment of lymphedema is required by the European Society of Mastology. The purpose of our study was the evaluation of self-reported incidences of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors and the effect of providing the patients with information about lymphedema on the extent to which lymph-drainage massage services and compression garments were used. METHODS: A total of 742 breast cancer survivors were analysed in this questionnaire-based survey. The associations between lymphedema and the patients' medical history; morbidity located in the breast, axilla, and arm; the amount of information the patients had received concerning lymphedema; and the extent to which lymph-drainage massage services and compression garments were analyzed. RESULTS: 31.67% of the patients stated to have lymphedema. Radiotherapy was identified as a significant risk factor. Pain, paresthesia, and functional limitations were associated with the occurrence of lymphedema. The only independent positive predictive factor found to be associated with the use of lymph-drainage massage services (OR 5.74) was the provision of information about the condition. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported assessment of lymphedema is feasible. The observed lymphedema incidence of approximately 30% may be able to serve as a basis for benchmarking in quality-assurance procedures at breast centers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Control mechanisms are required to assess if the indication for lymphdrainage is adequate and the compliance to this subject is sufficient.
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