Investigation of the effectiveness of a lymphedema prevention support program including psychological intervention for community implementation

About this study

Lymphedema occurs after cancer treatment in approximately 30% of breast cancer survivors and approximately 20% of gynecologic cancer survivors. Symptoms of lymphedema include swelling, numbness, pain, and decreased arm and leg strengths and have serious effects on reduced activities of daily living and QOL deterioration. Prevention of onset of lymphedema is important for improving cancer survivorship. However, hospitals mainly provide symptomatic treatment to patients who developed lymphedema and are yet to have systems in place for continuous/long-term efforts to prevent the development of lymphedema.

In this project, we operate a 4-session program developed for patients who underwent breast or gynecologic surgery, based on results of previous studies (Foundation for Promotion of Cancer Research Fiscal 2015 “Cancer survivorship research grant”; Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Multi-year Fund) (C) 18K10301) and aim to investigate the effectiveness thereof (Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Multi-year Fund) (C) 21K10990).