Lymphedema News and Research

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Lymphedema is a condition that can cause significant swelling of the upper and lower extremities due to the build-up of excess lymph fluid. This can occur when the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining excess fluid from the body and is a key component of the immune system, is damaged or altered. In breast cancer patients, this can occur after surgery, such as removal or biopsy of the lymph nodes, and/or radiation therapy. It is estimated that six percent to 40 percent of patients with breast cancer develop lymphedema, and that it often occurs within the first two years after surgery. For some cancer survivors and others at risk, a low level lymphedema can occur 10 years to 15 years following the initial primary treatment and develop into a condition that has a serious impact on overall health and quality of life.

CIHR grants $2.5 million to probe impact of physical activity on breast cancer

Over the next five years, a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Kerry Courneya of the University of Alberta and Dr. Christine Friedenreich of Alberta Health Services will conduct a series of five large research projects to probe the impacts of physical activity on breast cancer thanks to a $2.5 million team grant over five years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

28 Jul 2010

Innovative imaging system uses night vision technology to tackle common side effect of cancer treatment

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) has reached an agreement with other institutions that will allow it to take the next step in commercially developing an innovative medical imaging system that uses night vision technology to tackle a common side effect of cancer treatment.

16 Jul 2010

Community-based lymphatic filariasis education increases treatment compliance up to 90%: Study

Community-based lymphatic filariasis education in Orissa State, India, increased treatment compliance from around 50% to up to 90%, according to a study published June 29 in the open-access journal PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. In their study, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action, an India-based non-governmental organization, and IMA World Health, a US-based non-governmental organization, identified barriers to compliance with India's MDA program for LF, and suggest that timely educational and lymphedema management programs can reverse this trend.

1 Jul 2010

CDP treatment can reduce pain and swelling in CVI patients

For patients with painful swelling of the legs caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a combination treatment approach called "complete decongestive physiotherapy" improves symptoms, walking ability, and quality of life, reports a study in Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation.

25 Jun 2010

LWW sponsors symposium on wound care

The 25th Anniversary Clinical Symposium on Advances in Skin & Wound Care: The Conference for Prevention and Healing will be held September 30-October 3, 2010, at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center in Kissimee, FL. The symposium is sponsored by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW), part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy.

17 Jun 2010

Exercise helps patients recover shoulder movement after breast cancer surgery

An active 72-year-old woman, Claire Mitchell had always enjoyed cooking. However, after breast cancer surgery she found that she had less freedom of movement and reaching jars on high shelves became quite painful. Her plight is common.

16 Jun 2010

Cancer patients should find ways to be physically active during and after treatment: New national guidelines

Cancer patients who've been told to rest and avoid exercise can - and should - find ways to be physically active both during and after treatment, according to new national guidelines. Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, an associate professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a member of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, will present these guidelines at an educational session at the 2010 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, aimed at making cancer exercise rehabilitation programs as common as those offered to people who have had heart attacks or undergone cardiac surgery.

2 Jun 2010

Research finding could lead to first-ever target for drug therapy for lymphedema

A genetic mutation for inherited lymphedema associated with lymphatic function has been discovered that could help create new treatments for the condition, say researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Their findings are reported in the June issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

28 May 2010

Honey beneficial for treatment of fungating tumor wounds

Surviving cancer is physically and emotionally exhausting. But for many patients, beating the disease itself is just the first hurdle. A second ordeal comes from living with the fungating tumor wounds that accompany various cancers. Aside from the pain they inflict, these wounds often emit a strong and offensive odor. Not only does going into public become potentially embarrassing, but it also can be extremely depressing when even close family members are repulsed by the smell.

17 Apr 2010

3M files lawsuit against Andover Healthcare over CoFlex 2 Layer Compression System

3M and 3M Innovative Properties Co. filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota today against Andover Healthcare Inc. seeking injunctive relief and damages regarding Andover's CoFlex 2 Layer Compression System.

16 Apr 2010

JVC offers treatment for vascular diseases and thrombotic disorders under one roof

The new Jefferson Vascular Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital offers an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, management and treatment of vascular diseases (diseases of blood vessels) and thrombotic (blood-clotting) disorders all under one roof.

25 Feb 2010

Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer: 10th anniversary

2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the only international conference dedicated to the critical issues of young breast cancer survivors and those who care about them. Nearly 1,000 young breast cancer survivors, caregivers and medical professionals from around the world are expected to attend the 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, to be held Friday, Feb. 26-Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Ga.

19 Feb 2010

Health experts explore risk reduction and management strategies for lymphedema

There are no scientific studies showing that lymphedema can be prevented, but there are ways to lower your risk of developing this treatment side effect. During the 10th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, we will explore the myths and recent scientific evidence about lymphedema, learn about risk reduction techniques and discuss approaches to lymphedema management, including exercise, physical therapy, lymphatic drainage, massage and other treatment methods.

19 Feb 2010

Researchers develop guidelines for assessment, treatment and management of lymphedema

Lymphedema, a chronic swelling condition that can appear after breast cancer surgery, is a risk for 1.3 million breast cancer survivors. Although lymphedema can cause lifelong swelling in the arms, back, neck and chest, there is no national standard of diagnosis or care.

18 Feb 2010

Baylor Sammons Breast Center receives accreditation from NAPBC

Baylor Sammons Breast Center at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas has been recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for its "firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease."

29 Jan 2010

Medical professionals and breast cancer survivors to attend 10th international conference in Georgia

2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the only international conference dedicated to the critical issues of young breast cancer survivors and those who care about them.

18 Jan 2010

Foot ulcers: One of the many challenges of diabetics

Diabetics face many health challenges, and among them is the risk of developing foot ulcers.

25 Nov 2009

Weightlifting increases self-esteem among breast cancer survivors: Study

In addition to building muscle, weightlifting is also a prescription for self-esteem among breast cancer survivors, according to new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research. Breast cancer survivors who lift weights regularly feel better about bodies and their appearance and are more satisfied with their intimate relationships compared with survivors who do not lift weights, according to a new study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

4 Nov 2009

NCCN Guidelines for breast cancer does not recommend prophylactic mastectomy in women

Despite a recent study finding that an increasing number of women who had cancer in one breast are opting to have the other breast removed, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology(TM) for Breast Cancer discourages prophylactic mastectomy in women except for those considered high risk.

29 Oct 2009

Egypt Race for the Cure supports breast cancer programs

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is expanding its global breast cancer mission to Egypt this October, working with Egyptian government agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to break the silence and stigma around breast cancer.

24 Oct 2009