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Updated: May 6, 2026
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Body Mass Index and Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Retrospective Cohort Study
QiHua Jiang1, Hai Hu2, Jing Liao1
1Department of Breast Surgery, Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 1464 breast cancer patients treated at The Third Hospital of Nanchang between 2018 and 2021. Patients were categorized based on BMI (<25, 25 to < 30, ≥ 30 kg/m²). Variables such as axillary lymph node dissection, infections, radiotherapy, and comorbidities were taken into account.
Results:
The incidence of BCRL was 23.4%. Higher BMI was associated with increased risk of BCRL, with significant incidence rates observed at 1, 2, and 3 years in the higher BMI groups. Multivariate analysis confirmed BMI as an independent risk factor for BCRL.
Conclusion:
Elevated BMI is associated with increased BCRL risk and decreased BCRL-free survival, underscoring the significance of weight management in breast cancer care.
