Article

The aim of this study was to determine whether adherence to self-care
modalities for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) predicts BCRL outcomes
among 128 breast cancer survivors who participated in the 12-mo physical activity
and lymphedema trial.
This was a prospective cohort study. Adherence to
ten BCRL self-care modalities, as recommended in the clinical practice guidelines
for the management of BCRL, was assessed by a questionnaire at baseline. BCRL
outcomes assessed at baseline and 12 mos included volumetry, circumferences,
bioimpedence spectroscopy, the Norman lymphedema survey, and therapist-defined
lymphedema exacerbations requiring treatment. Generalized linear models were used
to estimate the relationship between adherence to BCRL self-care modalities and
the likelihood of experiencing a BCRL outcome. RESULTS: Adherence to BCRL
self-care activities did not predict experiencing any BCRL outcomes at 12 mos.
Levels of adherence to BCRL self-care modalities did not predict a 5% or greater
decrease in interlimb volume (Ptrend = 0.79), 5% or greater decrease in the sum
of interlimb arm circumferences (Ptrend = 0.47), 10% or greater decrease in
bioimpedence spectroscopy (Ptrend = 0.83), 1 or greater decrease in self-reported
lymphedema symptoms (Ptrend = 0.91), or therapist-defined lymphedema exacerbation
requiring treatment (Ptrend = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that
levels of BCRL self-care adherence do not predict BCRL outcomes among breast
cancer survivors with stable lymphedema who were followed for 12 mos.

Langue : ANGLAIS