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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
Case-control study to evaluate predictors of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery
Karen K Swenson1, Mary Jo Nissen, Joseph W Leach
1Park Nicollet Institute. karen.swenson@parknicollet.com
Purpose/Objectives:
To identify risk factors for lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.
Design:
Multisite case-control study.
Setting:
Lymphedema clinics in the upper midwestern region of the United States.
Sample:
94 patients with lymphedema and 94 controls without lymphedema, matched on type of axillary surgery and surgery date.
Methods:
The Measure of Arm Symptom Survey, a patient-completed tool, assessed potential risk factors for lymphedema. Severity of lymphedema was measured by arm circumference, and disease and treatment factors were collected via chart review.
Main Research Variables:
Risk factors for lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.
Findings:
On univariate analysis, patients with lymphedema were more likely than controls to be overweight (body mass index >or= 25) (p = 0.009). They also were more likely to have had axillary radiation (p = 0.011), mastectomy (p = 0.008), chemotherapy (p = 0.033), more positive nodes (p = 0.009), fluid aspirations after surgery (p = 0.005), and active cancer status (p = 0.008). Strength training (p = 0.014) and air travel (p = 0.0005) were associated with less lymphedema occurrence. On multivariate analysis, the only factor significantly associated with lymphedema was being overweight (p = 0.022).
Conclusions:
Being overweight is an important modifiable risk factor for lymphedema. Axillary radiation, more extensive surgery, chemotherapy, and active cancer status also were predictive of lymphedema.
Implications For Nursing:
This study provides evidence that excess weight contributes to lymphedema; strength training and airline travel did not contribute to lymphedema.
