Lymphedema Prophylaxis Utilizing Perioperative Education
Abstract
The purpose is to evaluate perioperative training for lymphedema assessment and protection. The hypothesis is that structured perioperative training in lymphedema protection will decrease lymphedema, the episodes of infection, the time to detection of lymphedema and improve the QOL in patients undergoing axillary dissection and/or radiation therapy for breast cancer as compared to a control group. The specific questions (scope)are 1) what is the incidence of lymphedema and infection during the first three years after surgery among breast cancer patients who received perioperative training in lymphedema protection as compared to a control group? 2) What are the differences in the measured QOL among breast cancer patients during the first three years after surgery that received perioperative education in lymphedema protection as compared to a control group? 3) What are the retention of information on lymphedema protection, and the compliance with are precautions among breast cancer patients who received perioperative lymphedema training as compared to a control group? Major Findings: During the first 33 months of enrollment, the incidence of lymphedema was 49.6% overall. This includes acute and chronic lymphedema. The incidence in African American and Hispanic breast cancer survivors was higher than nonminority subjects. Significance: The lymphedema rate observed overall thus far, and including acute and chronic lymphedema, is greater than reported in the literature. This may shift established practice in lymphedema prevention and detection for breast cancer survivors. A manuscript has reported a comparison of different methods of measuring lymphedema to our "standard". A grant application has been submitted based upon the finding of increased lymphedema in minority subjects. Further analyses and statistics are delayed due to the power outage and computer problems with viruses and worms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA418638
Entities
People
- Mary A. Kosir
Organizations
- Wayne State University