Breast Health
Weight Training Can Help Prevent Lymphedema Flare-upsFor years, breast cancer survivors have been advised to avoid stressing their arms during strength training or other exercise because muscle strain can increase the severity of lymphedema flare-ups. Lymphedema, a common side effect after breast cancer surgery, is painful swelling and reduced movement or flexibility in nearby joints caused by fluid build-up in soft body tissues. The swelling is primarily seen in the arms, hands and chest wall. Out of fear of a flare-up, some women have avoided weight-bearing activities such as lifting children and heavy bags.
But a recent research study published in the New England Journal of Medicine offers some promising news. The results of the study associate weight lifting with a decrease in the severity of lymphedema symptoms or flare-ups in breast cancer survivors.
Patrice Neese, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, an adult nurse practitioner in the University of Virginia Health System's Division of Surgical Oncology, notes that the women in the study lifted weights under close monitoring. "Participants were introduced to weightlifting exercises with little or no resistance after stretching and cardiovascular warm-up," says Neese, who specializes in caring for lymphedema patients. "Resistance and weight was increased at the lowest increments by trainers for 13 weeks. Every participant was required to wear a compression sleeve." Neese says range-of-motion exercises are generally started within 24 hours of surgery to remove lymph nodes. "Deep breathing exercises promote healing and lymphatic circulation," she says. "Slow, progressive strength training can start as soon as wounds are healed, but patients need to be watched closely for any signs of swelling, and are best served working with someone who has knowledge of lymphedema precautions." Weight Training Improves More Than StrengthTo evaluate the effects of weight lifting on lymphedema, researchers divided 141 breast cancer survivors diagnosed as having lymphedema into two groups - a weight-lifting group and a control group that didn't lift weights. The weight-lifting group trained twice per week at community fitness centers. Working in small groups with fitness center trainers, they slowly increased the amount of weight lifted over 13 weeks. The women then continued weight lifting independently for the next 39 weeks. The participants in the control group were instructed to keep their normal exercise and activity routine. Study results revealed that about 14 percent of the weight-lifting group experienced flare-ups, compared with 29 percent of the control group. The weight-lifting group also self-reported less severe lymphedema symptoms and an improvement in upper- and lower-body strength. The study authors conclude that the results of this study may decrease the concern that weight lifting will worsen arm swelling in breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. Researchers also think improved strength may protect arms from injuries sustained during common daily activities. Nonetheless, they call for further research to determine best practices in weight training for these women. UVA's Neese notes a statement from the National Lymphedema Network (NLN), which says a majority of patients with lymphedema or at risk for lymphedema can safely perform aerobic or resistance exercises as long as appropriate precautions are taken. According to the NLN, lymphedema patients can exercise as long as:
Patients at risk for lymphedema, according to the NLN, can exercise as long as:
Tips to Manage LymphedemaUp to 62 percent of women treated for breast cancer develop lymphedema. But there are ways to manage it. In general, try to avoid infection, constriction and burns in the affected limb, since all can cause swelling. Remember these tips:
To read a patient story, get additional information on breast cancer treatment or learn about UVA's Breast Care Program, visit www.uvahealth.com. UVA also offers a free, confidential risk assessment through the region's only High Risk Care program to determine if you have a higher-than-normal personal risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. This free service is particularly encouraged for women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. To arrange the free screening, call 434-924-1555. Women can learn more about their unique risks for heart disease - and how to better manage those risks - through Club Red, a UVA heart-health initiative. You'll learn how heart attack symptoms can be different for women than for men, and you can take an online risk assessment to learn your personal heart disease risk factors. There, you can sign up for Club Red, our free heart-health club for women. Benefits include tips from UVA healthcare providers and a gift package to help you live red in style. Always consult your physician for more information. Online Resources(Our organization is not responsible for the content of Internet sites.) Annals of Internal Medicine - Weight lifting in women with breast-cancer-related lymphedema National Breast Cancer Coalition |
November 2009Weight Training Can Help Prevent Lymphedema Flare-ups Weight Training Improves More Than Strength You're a Cancer Survivor: Now What? You're a Cancer Survivor: Now What?Living healthy could slash your risk for the return of cancer and protect against heart disease and diabetes. But in the journal Cancer, researchers said fewer than one in four cancer survivors they studied exercised. More than half were overweight or obese, even though being at a healthy weight cuts your cancer risk and improves your survival odds. If you're overweight, losing just 5 percent of your current weight could boost your health. Another recent report found most survivors had unhealthy lifestyles. People with healthy habits enjoyed a higher quality of life. Here are some ways to live healthier:
Always consult your physician for more information. |