Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Personalized Plans of Care to Guide Survivorship

Purpose To present and discuss care domains (oncologic, cardiometabolic, aging, behavioral, environmental) for clinicians when approaching care for a breast cancer survivor at risk for developing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), as well as survivors who have been diagnosed with BCRL. Assessment using each domain aids in decision-making, yet also identifies barriers to pursuing personalized care for survivors with BCRL. Recent Findings BCRL occurs from damage to the lymphatics during breast cancer treatment and occurs in approximately 20 to 40% of survivors. Prospective surveillance and early treatment for BCRL are supported in the literature; however, these approaches are frequently not used within evidence-based recommendations. The five domains can be used to develop a personalized plan of BCRL care. Barriers to pursuing personalized care for survivors with BCRL are identified. Future work in developing evidence-based recommendations is needed to guide clinicians and survivors during prospective surveillance, successful risk reduction, early diagnosis, and treatment of BCRL.