Keeping breast cancer survivors lymphoedema-free

With the increasing number of breast cancer survivors, post-treatment interventions to improve quality of life are gaining priority. Current breast cancer treatment modalities put patients at risk of developing upper-extremity lymphoedema. Upper-extremity lymphoedema is a common and overlooked complication of breast cancer treatment. Health professionals play an important role in identifying breast cancer and promptly referring these patients for further interventions. After successful completion of breast cancer treatment, these patients continue to have regular evaluations by their oncologists; and, provided there are no signs and symptoms of breast cancer, primary and community care health professionals will continue to play an essential role in the management of this unique patient group. As breast cancer treatment places these patients at a lifetime risk of developing upper-extremity lymphoedema, radiation oncologists, surgical and medical oncologists, and primary care practitioners must be knowledgeable and educate these patients about risk reduction behaviours. Prevention, prompt identification, and treatment of lymphoedema are the goals for achieving positive and cost-effective patient outcomes. This article aims to provide health professionals with specific educational tools with regard to the prevention, recognition, and management of upper-extremity lymphoedema; these tools should be used to change the ongoing trends in the management of breast cancer survivors' follow-up care.