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Contrary to current clinical guidelines for breast cancer survivors, progressive weight training does not appear to increase the risk of lymphedema for women who have had their lymph nodes removed, according to a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
For almost two decades, breast cancer survivors at risk of contracting lymphedema -- a buildup of lymphatic flud under the skin that results in an irreversible swelling of one or both arms -- have been advised by most doctors to avoid most upper-body exercise or lifting anything heavier than five pounds.
But a study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Minnesota found that twice-a-week weight training over a period of six months did not increase the onset of lymphedema, nor did it worsen the symptoms of longtime lymphedema sufferers.
With 45 participants in the study, this was the largest randomized controlled trial to examine associations between exercise and lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.
Researchers found at the end of the study that there was no difference in arm circumference between the exercise group and the control group, and the exercise group had fewer symptoms of lymphedema than the women in the control group.
"While current clinical guidelines say that this type of exercise may be harmful, our research indicates that it is indeed safe," said Kathryn Schmitz, an assistant professor of
epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania.
"These results herald the need to start reevaluating common clinical guidelines that breast cancer survivors avoid upper body resistance activity for fear of increasing risk of lymphedema," the researchers concluded.
Source: Medical Week staff, May 15, 2006
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