TURKISH JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2016 , Vol 31 , Num 4
Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema
Ayşe ARIKAN DÖNMEZ1,Sevgisun KAPUCU1
1Department of Internal Medicine Nursing, Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Ankara-Turkey DOI : 10.5505/tjo.2016.1496 Lymphedema is one of the most common complications after breast cancer treatment. It is an important problem that affects individuals" lifestyles and functions, causing physical and psychosocial problems, and affecting quality of life negatively. The treatment of lymphedema was thought to be impossible in the past but it has now become possible to manage the condition more effectively with current treatment methods. Nurses, who are important members of the healthcare team, play a key role in helping patients to take their own responsibility for lymphedema, in the prevention, management and follow up of lymphedema. Nurses should be able to identify the group of patients at high risk for developing lymphedema, provide the necessary training for lymphedema prevention, evaluate lymphedema to prevent it and plan for appropriate nursing interventions in the early process. This literature review aims to inform nurses and other healthcare professions about lymphedema management. Keywords : Breast cancer; lymphedema; lymphedema management; nursing