Contrary to expectations from clinical experience, a new study found that a weight loss program, alone or in conjunction with a home-based exercise intervention, was not effective in reducing lymphedema symptoms in breast cancer survivors. These results contradict recommendations in current clinical guidelines, note the authors. In addition, the findings are contrary to their own clinical experience, they add, inasmuch as they have seen patients with breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL) whose lymphedema symptoms improved after they lost weight. “Current guidelines from the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Institute, National Lymphedema Network, and others tell overweight women with breast cancer lymphedema that weight loss will help their condition,” commented lead author Kathryn H. Schmitz, PhD, MPH, professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, in Hershey. “Our trial is definitive — weight loss does not help with symptoms or ...
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