Effect of complete decongestive therapy and home program on health- related quality of life in post mastectomy lymphedema patients

BACKGROUND: Secondary lymphedema is common in women treated for breast cancer. It may be a result of surgery or radiotherapy. Edema commonly affects the arm, leading to discomfort, reduced arm movements, pain and diminished quality of life. Therefore, the relationship between post mastectomy lymphedema and quality of life has evolved as an important criteria in treatment of breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Sixty breast cancer survivors who developed post mastectomy lymphedema were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups (n = 30) according to the treatment they received; Conventional therapy (CT) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) groups. Measurements were taken at baseline, 4 and 6 weeks. Health related Quality of Life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant demographics and repeated measures of ANOVA was used for within and between group comparisons. RESULTS: Both groups showed improved quality of life and diminished pain after 6 weeks of treatment. However, greater improvement was observed in CDT group compared to the CT group. CONCLUSION: In this study, remedial exercises and home program in addition to manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging resulted in improved quality of life. Early identification of lymphedema and incorporation of remedial exercises and a home program improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registry ID: ISRCTN13242080, Date of registration: 7 April 2016