Reducing the Risk of Lymphedema Development and Flare-Ups
The ideal time to reduce lymphedema risk is before cancer surgery. But if lymphedema develops, it’s possible to keep flare-ups from getting worse.
Reducing lymphedema risk before and after surgery:
1. Consider making lifestyle changes Limit alcohol consumption. If you smoke, you may want to quit smoking or look for smoking cessation programs
2. Ask about sentinel lymph nodes If you’re preparing for breast cancer surgery, ask your surgeon if it’s possible to have a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) instead of an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Surgeons remove fewer lymph nodes during a sentinel lymph node biopsy than they do during axillary lymph node dissection. Lymphedema risk is higher when more underarm lymph nodes are removed. In certain cases where breast cancer has spread into multiple lymph nodes, surgeons may have to perform an axillary lymph node dissection to reduce recurrence risk (the cancer coming back) or metastasis. Reducing those risks is more important than reducing the risk of lymphedema.
3. Meet with a lymphedema therapist Start having manual lymphatic drainage treatments 2-4 weeks before the surgery, and after the surgery to restore full range of motion to the arm, shoulder, or leg to get the lymph flowing again, ease swelling and pain, and heal the scar. A lymphedema therapist can teach you which exercises you can do before surgery and in the weeks after.
4. Protect your skin to avoid injury and infection Wear protective gloves for activities that could stress your hand and arm or injure your skin. Wear long sleeve shirts and avoid wearing shorts to prevent mosquitoes’ bites, and skin damage from sun. If you get manicures, avoid anything that cuts or over stresses the skin around your nails. Artificial nails can also become infection sites if not fitted or maintained properly.
5. Use gentle organic, perfume free products on your skin. Use gentle moisturizing soap and gentle lotions daily to keep your skin supple and to prevent cracking. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to avoid sunburn. Use insect repellents that don’t dry out the skin or contain harsh chemical ingredients.
6. Avoid extreme heat Avoid taking hot showers, soaking in hot tubs, and using heating pads or hot compresses on the affected arm, neck, shoulder, back, or leg. It’s also a good idea to avoid other heat-producing treatments provided by physical, occupational, or massage therapists, such as ultrasound, and deep tissue massage. The heat generated by these treatments causes more blood and extra lymph to flow to the affected area.
7. Avoid wearing tight clothing and accessories Pressure from a heavy shoulder bag or tight-fitting clothing or jewellery can also restrict the flow of lymph out of the hand, arm, or chest. Avoid wearing bras, camisoles, or tops that fit too tightly or clothing with tight sleeves. It’s also a good idea to avoid wearing watches, bracelets, or rings on the affected hand and arm. Avoid wearing very tight leggings after any lower abdomen surgery.
8. Get help as soon as you spot lymphedema signs and symptoms Early signs of lymphedema can be very subtle. Your arm, hand, or upper/lower body may start looking or feeling a little different. But these changes might seem like they’re no big deal because they come and go at first. As soon as you spot even minor signs and symptoms of lymphedema, let your doctor and lymphedema specialist know.
9. Don’t give up It’s possible for lymphedema to develop even if you follow all the recommendations to reduce your risk. For example, other health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or other cardiovascular conditions can affect lymphedema risk. But following your doctor and lymphedema specialist’s advice can still help to ease symptoms and prevent lymphedema from progressing to advanced stages. Regular exercises and lymphatic drainage treatments, anti-inflammatory diet, stress management and positive mind will help to have a full and active life as you had before.
