Former breast cancer patients have often faced and overcome great adversity during their treatment. Though they may have overcome the cancer, the treatment can leave behind unexpected side effects such as lymphedema (1). 
 

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA

Lymphedema is a condition that can occur following breast cancer surgery when lymph nodes are removed or damaged after radiation therapy. This can cause the flow of lymph fluids to disrupt leading to swelling - often in the arms or legs but it can also affect other parts of the body and can lead to further implications.  

It is thus important to recognize the consequences that can follow breast cancer surgery, but also imperative to highlight the positive effects of the proactive steps a patient can take to help manage these side effects and live a good life with the condition (2). 
 

EARLY DETECTION HAS PROVEN BENEFICIAL

Early detection and intervention can help reduce the impact and severity of lymphedema. It is therefore important to be aware and attentive of the symptoms that are related to lymphedema. Swelling, dry skin, tightness in the arms or breasts or arm-stiffness as joint movement may be limited from arm swelling - all of these symptoms are potential indicators of lymphedema (3).  

 

TREATMENT AND TECHNIQUES TO MANAGE LYMPHEDEMA 

There are various treatments and techniques to manage lymphedema, that can help control or even improve the symptoms. This article would like to highlight exercises and how it can be used to help in the management of lymphedema. 

Physical activity can be a good way of managing lymphedema. Movement of the muscles encourages lymph fluid to move from the swollen area, where the fluid is accumulating, and this is why gentle exercises and stretches can be helpful. It is however important to always to check with a medical professional to assess what steps are necessary for optimal symptom management (4). 

For inspiration on ways to use exercises to relieve your lymphedema symptoms, we would like to highlight the article Lymphedema Exercises and Tips available on breastcancer.com. The article provides valuable information about how exercise can help patients manage lymphedema. They encourage to always refer to a specialist to find which exercises is recommended for you and also what level of exercise is suitable for you. They also provide range of different exercises in seated, reclined and standing position, that can be done at home with little equipment needed. Full description on the referred exercises below can be found on their webpage, or assessed accessed through following link: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/lymphedema/reducing-risk/exercise 

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(2) https://www.mayoclinic.org
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
(4) https://www.macmillan.org.uk