Original Article
Lymphedema after gynecological cancer treatment
May 2007
Prevalence, correlates, and supportive care needs
Vanessa Beesley, PhD 1 *, Monika Janda, PhD 1, Elizabeth Eakin, PhD 2,
Andreas Obermair, MD 3 4, Diana Battistutta, PhD 1
1Queensland University of Technology, School of Public Health,
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Australia
2University of Queensland, School of Population Health, Cancer
Prevention Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
3Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Queensland Centre for
Gynecological Cancer, Brisbane, Australia
4University of Queensland, School of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
email: Vanessa Beesley (vanessa.bees...@qimr.edu.au)
*Correspondence to Vanessa Beesley, Cancer and Population Health
Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box Royal
Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia
This study was made possible by funding support from the Queensland
Cancer Fund and access to participants through the Queensland
Gynaecological Cancer Registry at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
Fax: +61-7 3845 3503
Keywords
lymphedema · morbidity · supportive care · gynecologic carcinoma ·
perceived needs · continuity of patient care
Abstract
BACKGROUND.
Few studies have evaluated lymphedema after gynecological cancer
treatment. The aim of this research was to establish prevalence,
correlates, and supportive care needs of gynecological cancer
survivors who develop lymphedema.
METHODS.
In 2004, a population-based cross-sectional mail survey (56% response
rate) was completed by 802 gynecological cancer survivors. The
questionnaire included demographic questions, a validated, generic
supportive care needs measure, and a supplementary, newly developed,
lymphedema needs module.
RESULTS.
Ten percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-12%) of participants
reported being diagnosed with lymphedema, and a further 15% (95% CI,
13%-17%) reported undiagnosed symptomatic lower limb swelling.
Diagnosed lymphedema was more prevalent (36%) amongst vulvar cancer survivors. For cervical cancer survivors, those who had radiotherapy or who had lymph nodes removed had higher odds of developing swelling.
For uterine and ovarian cancer survivors, those who had lymph nodes
removed or who were overweight or obese had higher odds of developing
swelling. Gynecological cancer survivors with lymphedema had higher
supportive care needs in the information and symptom management
domains compared with those who had no swelling.
CONCLUSIONS.
This population-based study provided evidence that lymphedema is a
morbidity experienced by a significant proportion of gynecological
cancer survivors and that there are considerable levels of associated
unmet needs. Women at risk of lymphedema would benefit from
instructions about early signs and symptoms and provision of referral
information. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
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Received: 5 December 2006; Revised: 24 January 2007; Accepted: 6
February 2007
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi- ... /ABSTRAC...
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Pat O'Connor
Lymphedema People
http://www.lymphedemapeople.com