Monday, November 10, 2008

Recommendations For Women To Improve Their Quality Of Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

“Breast cancer treatment is becoming more effective, with a survival rate of more than 80% for this disease in Germany. As the survival rate goes up, quality of life for survivors assumes even more importance, according to the German Institute. Lymphedema is an adverse effect of breast cancer treatment caused by damage to the lymph system. ‘Even with many women having less aggressive breast cancer treatments, around 10 to 20% will develop lymphedema,’ according to Professor Peter Sawicki, the Institute's Director. ‘We doctors still underestimate the impact on patients' quality of life of treatment adverse effects like lymphedema. The first step to prevention is using therapies that limit the damage to the woman's lymph system.’ The second step to better quality of life is to stay active. For years, there were many warnings to women to limit the use of the arm and be careful about being too active after breast cancer treatment. But Professor Sawicki said, ‘While women who are developing lymphedema have to protect their arms more, the blanket warnings from the past to all women with breast cancer were never based on strong scientific evidence. In fact, trials of exercise in women with breast cancer have shown that it can improve quality of life without increasing the risk of lymphedema.’”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/128580.php

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