Balancing lymphedema risk: exercise versus deconditioning for breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Lymphedema, a common and feared negative effect of breast cancer treatment, is generally described by arm swelling and dysfunction. Risk averse clinical recommendations guided survivors to avoid the use of the affected arm. This may lead to deconditioning and, ironically, the very outcome women seek to avoid. Recently published studies run counter to these guidelines.

Figure 1

Anatomy of the lymph system of the breast