Breast-cancer survivors are at risk of developing a condition called lymphedema, which causes swelling of the arm or other areas of the upper body, after surgery/ treatment for breast cancer. Lymphedema can bring pain, numbness, discomfort, and sometimes infection. Women with lymphedema often refer to themselves as ‘swell sisters,’ but none of them thinks the condition is well…swell.
Every woman who has had breast surgery is at risk, and up to 40% of breast-cancer survivors eventually develop lymphedema (pronounced LIMF-eh-DEE-ma). The disease can develop immediately after surgery or weeks, months or many years later. Breast-cancer survivors have a lifelong risk of the condition, and when it develops, it lasts a lifetime.
Breast cancer survivors traditionally have been advised to avoid lifting anything heavy, which some doctors consider to mean as little as five- ten pounds. That advice generally rules out strength training, not to mention placing limits on functional strength such as lifting groceries or babies. Strength training (weight training, resistance training) can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, aid in weight control, reduce stress, and help women develop improved well-being and self-esteem. It also builds functional fitness.
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Read the full-text article in this week's Survivor Blog: Talk About Cancer Rehab.
