10/20/2025
Lymphedema
- 3 million cancer survivors in the United States will develop breast cancer treatment related lymphedema
- Treatment for cervical, endometrial, and vulvar malignancies as well as prostate cancer treatment can all increase the risk of developing lymphedema
- Number of nodes removed as well as the number of radiation treatments received can be factors in the development of lymphedema
- Evidence indicates that early detection of latent lymphedema offers an opportunity to identify and treat lymphedema more successfully at an earlier stage
When diagnosed with cancer it is of greatest importance to have this condition treated, but ask your doctor before and after treatment about what steps you can take to address the possible development of lymphedema.
If you have questions or concerns regarding lymphedema please feel free to contact me by phone, text or email.
Stuart Mason, RMT, CDT
smasonrmt@gmail.com
613-281-6305
Sources:
Ostby PL, Armer JM. Complexities of Adherence and Post-Cancer Lymphedema Management. J.Pers. Med. 2015, 5, 370-388; doi:10.3390/jpm5040370. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4695861/
Norman SA, Localio AR, Potashnik SL, et al. Lymphedema in breast cancer survivors: incidence, degree, time course, treatment, and symptoms. J Clin Oncol 2009;27(3):390-397 PMID:19064976. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19064976
Rockson SG, Rivera KK. Estimating the population burden of lymphedema. [Review][109 refs]. Ann NY Acad Science 2008; 1131: 147-154. PMID 18519968
National Lymphedema Network National lymphedema network supplement to the national lymphedema network position statement breast cancer screening: Screening and early detection of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Available online:https://www.lymphnet.org/pdfDocs/nlnBCLE.pdf
Empowering people living with lymphedema through education, advocacy, and care. Explore resources, events, and support from the National Lymphedema Network.
