January 7, 2011 – Women treated for breast cancer have a 35% to 70% lower risk of developing lymphedema in their arms when they train to gradually lift weights.
It has long been recommended that women treated for breast cancer avoid lifting weights exceeding 5 pounds (2.27 kg), in order to prevent lymphedema – caused by the buildup of lymph in one of the arms.
However, a study conducted in Philadelphia in the United States, on 154 women treated for breast cancer, shows that not only lifting weights does not increase the risk of lymphedema, but it would significantly reduce it.
Lymphedema is a chronic disease that causes swelling of the legs or arms in people who have been treated for cancer. It can occur when lymph nodes have been removed or hollowed out during treatment – whether through surgery or radiation therapy.
Gradual increase in load
Half of the study participants trained in a gymnasium for 1 year. During the first 13 weeks, a trainer showed them how to properly perform the sets of exercises. They then practiced independently.
At first, the weights to be lifted did not exceed 2 pounds (1 kg). Then, the load was gradually increased. It should be noted that the women all wore a compression garment on their arms during the exercises.
Results: 17% of women who did not start the weight lifting program had lymphedema, compared to 11% of those who did.
And among those who had more than 5 lymph nodes removed, lymphedema appeared in just 7% of women who regularly lifted weights, compared to 22% of those who did not.
These results are important since, according to the study authors, up to 47% of women who undergo surgery (partial or total mastectomy) can develop lymphedema.
Treatment not yet recognized in Quebec
Arm with lymphedema
Lymphedema is a disease for which there are few effective treatments.
However, a Canadian study published in 2006 found that combined decongestive therapy (CDT) halved the volume of the arms of people with lymphedema.2, after they have been treated for breast cancer.
CDT combines manual lymphatic drainage, as well as wearing a compression garment.
Some clinics offer CDD, but the cost of it is not covered by the Quebec health plan, unlike other Canadian provinces.3.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. Schmitz KH, Ahmed RL, et al, Weight lifting for women at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized trial, Journal of the American Medical Association, 2010 Dec 22, 304 (24): 2699-705.
2. See our news Combined Decongestive Therapy Reduces Lymphedema.
3. For more information, visit the website of the Association québécoise du lymphoedème: www.infolympho.ca [consulté le 6 janvier 2011].
