Gerontological Nursing Interventions Research Center (GNIRC)

Title: Lymphedema Among Older Breat Cancer Survivors: Physiological and Symptom Measurement
Principal Investigator: Jane Armer, PhD, RN
Study Site: University of Missouri-Columbia

Abstract
More than two million women living with breast cancer in this country are at lifetime risk for lymphedema development. The majority of them are over age 65 and they account for 25% of all cancer survivors. The impact of unmanaged lymphedema on quality of life for breast cancer survivors is extensive, encompassing interpersonal and family relationships, functional abilities, occupational roles, self-image, and self-esteem. Morbidity and mortality trends document increased post-breast cancer survival. Increasing post-treatment survival makes more imperative the prevention, early detection, and treatment of lymphedema among breast cancer survivors of all ages. The study aims to: (1) examine the type of lymphedema symptoms experienced by older breast cancer survivors and the effectiveness of lymphedema self-management strategies; and (2) establish a physiological limb fluid volume (LFV) database for comparison of normal versus lymphedematous limbs using state-of-the-art techniques. Face-to-face interviews will be supplemented by self-report. LFV will be estimated using circumferences and infrared perometry. Twenty women over age 65 and treated for breast cancer more than 12 months earlier will be recruited and enrolled in the study; ten will be enrolled who have been diagnosed with lymphedema, ten will be enrolled who show no signs of lymphedema. Stratification by age will ensure equal numbers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th decades. This study will provide new information about the perceptions and management of lymphedema among older breast cancer survivors. The proposed study is a necessary step in a research program aimed at a self-management intervention study focused on preventing lymphedema and its serious complications among older breast cancer survivors.