Awareness and Knowledge of Lymphedema Among Individuals With Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: To determine the awareness of lymphedema among breast cancer survivors with and without lymphedema. Methods: The study included 72 consecutive female patients with breast cancer who presented to the Oncology Outpatient Clinic between May 2023 and March 2024. The extremity volumes were calculated by using the truncated cone formula. A survey was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge of breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) among patients. Known general risk factors and precautions for BCRL were inquired. The knowledge of breast cancer patients regarding the treatment of BCRL was investigated. Results: The prevalence of lymphedema was 52.8%. Among patients with BCRL, 36.8% reported having undergone circumferential limb measurements in the past. Of those who had undergone measurement, 78.6% had their first limb measurement taken after the onset of arm swelling. 50.0% of patients with BCRL and 23.5% of patients without lymphedema reported having heard of lymphedema (p=0.021). 26.3% of patients with BCRL reported receiving treatment for lymphedema in the past. 26.3% of patients with lymphedema reported being informed about lymphedema by a physician. 75% of participants reported not knowing which department is responsible for treating lymphedema. Conclusion: The current study revealed a low level of awareness and knowledge of lymphedema among breast cancer survivors. There was no significant difference in awareness of lymphedema precautions between patients with and without BCRL. Early diagnosis and treatment of BCRL may be facilitated by raising awareness of the disease among breast cancer patients from the time of diagnosis.