Shah, C., Arthur, D.W., Wazer, D., Khan, A., Ridner, S., & Vicini, F. (2016). The impact of early detection and intervention of breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review. Cancer Medicine, 5, 1154–1162.
STUDY PURPOSE: To examine the literature about early detection and the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL)
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Multiple phases of care
Early intervention (physiotherapy, manual lymphatic drainage [MLD]) demonstrates a benefit of reducing the rate of BCRL. New diagnostic modalities (e.g., perometry, bioimpedance spectroscopy) may increase sensitivity for early detection of BCRL.
Developing surveillance programs that target early identification and timely interventions for BCRL management is important.
The review supports the beneficial impact of early detection and timely interventions of BCRL. This will inform nurses of using evidence-based strategies to make early identification and management of lymphedema in individuals with breast cancer. The quality of the review, however, is not adequate.