In Observance of Breast Cancer Awareness, Physical Therapists Promote Early Diagnosis for Successful Treatment of Lymphedema
ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 13, 2009 — As breast cancer awareness
month is observed during October, the American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA) is hoping to shine a spotlight on lymphedema, a
chronic, debilitating and often irreversible side effect of cancer
treatment. According to APTA, breast cancer patients who seek the
services of a physical therapist can reduce their risk of lymphedema, as
it can be prevented or more effectively managed if caught in its
earliest stages and treated by a physical therapist. APTA is launching
this effort as it kicks off National Physical Therapy Month in October
to educate the public about the important role physical therapists and
physical therapist assistants play in health care.
Breast cancer-related lymphedema, which can cause significant
swelling of the upper and lower extremities due to the build-up of
excess lymph fluid, is mostly caused by damage to the body's lymphatic
system during treatment for cancer and can include limited movement,
joint pain, and difficulty performing activities. Physical therapists,
who are experts in restoring motion and mobility in people's lives, play
an important role not only in treating the effects of lymphedema but
also in reducing the risk of occurrence.
A study published in the journal Cancer (April 25, 2008)
showed that pre-operative assessments of patients with breast cancer by
physical therapists allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment of
lymphedema. This includes programs that use infra-red technology to
measure limb volume and regular post-operative follow-up to detect
lymphedema.
The study further demonstrated that when lymphedema was detected
early, the patient's condition was managed with a more conservative
approach that included a light-grade compression sleeve and hand
gauntlet that effectively decreased early swelling and possibly
prevented the progression of lymphedema. Fitted by a physical therapist,
these were prescribed for daily wear.
"Lymphedema is normally treated with more aggressive and often costly
and time-consuming techniques, such as complete decongestive therapy,"
explained APTA Board member and spokesperson, and the study's lead
author, Nicole Stout, PT, MPT, CLT-LANA. Complete decongestive therapy
requires the patient to attend daily therapy sessions for weeks and wear
bulky compression bandages.
"This study clearly demonstrates the fact that lymphedema can be
managed with a more conservative treatment option when diagnosed in its
earliest stages, which is good news for patients with breast cancer,"
Stout said. "Based on these findings, we encourage patients with breast
cancer to seek referral for physical therapy services before, during and
after breast cancer treatment because arm problems can occur at any time
during the course of care and the best outcomes are reached when they
can be detected early, or even prevented.
"We hope physicians, surgeons, oncologists, and other physical
therapists will make early intervention and conservative treatment of
lymphedema the standard of care in breast cancer treatment," Stout
concluded.
APTA Board member Babette Sanders, PT, MS, knows firsthand the
benefits of using physical therapy for prevention and maintenance of
keeping lymphedema at bay. "Swelling occurred immediately in my upper
arm and trunk after my mastectomy," she said. "By quickly incorporating
physical therapy as part of my overall management of the condition, I
was able to get rid of the swelling and have since kept it away. I am
able to remain lymphedema free with monthly preventative treatment. It
makes a tremendous difference in the quality of my daily living and my
ability to move and function."
Stout recommends patients with breast cancer be aware of their risk
factors and indicators of the onset of lymphedema:
Risk Factors
- Being overweight or gaining weight during or after cancer
treatment
- Having lymph nodes removed
- Having radiation therapy
- Having an infection or blood clot in the limb affected by cancer
treatment
Warning Signs
- Aching or heaviness in the limb that was affected by cancer
treatment
- A feeling of fullness or tightness in the limb affected by cancer
treatment
- Visible swelling that affects the limb affected by cancer
treatment
Some risk factors, such as the necessary treatment for cancer, cannot
be avoided. However, there are many things you can do to help reduce the
risk of lymphedema, such as:
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Follow proper skin care and hygiene practices
- Avoid infections from cuts, burns, or skin wounds
- Exercise sensibly and avoid unnecessary strain to the limb
A physical therapist will create an exercise program tailored to your
individual needs and monitor its effect on your limb.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care
professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore
mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery or the side
effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than 72,000
physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of
physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and
quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical
therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients
can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a
physician referral. Learn more about lymphedema and other conditions
physical therapists can treat, and find a physical therapist in your
area at www.moveforwardpt.com.