Perception of the Influence of Lymphedema on the Everyday Activities and Mental Health of Women with Breast Cancer

Introduction. Breast cancer is still the most common malignant disease in women, although its mortality is lower thanks to aggressive treatment and prevention. Secondary lymphedema of the upper limbs is the most common consequence of breast cancer treatment, but due to external factors, it can also occur years later. Lymphedema is a chronic, inflammatory, lymphostatic disease that, along with pain and discomfort, leads to limitation of arm mobility. Considering that the lymphedema of the arm is visible, and still cannot be corrected aesthetically in Croatia, women have difficulties in finding adequate clothes, and it also affects their everyday activities.Aim. To examine the perception of the impact of arm lymphedema caused by breast cancer therapy on everyday activities, and mental health of women.Methods. We used the LYMQOL questionnaire to assess the quality of life of women with upper limb lymphedema and the DASS-21 questionnaire to assess their mental health. A total of 100 women with lymphedema with an average age of 52.3 participated in the research, all members of breast cancer associations.Results. Results on all subscales of the DASS-21 questionnaire are increased. A large percentage of respondents have severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, which should not be ignored. Conclusion. Women estimate that lymphedema affects their everyday and leisure activities, whereby they most often mention sports, cycling, driving, hiking, being out in the sun, socializing, but they also indicate the very unpredictability of how the arm will react in certain conditions.