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Lymphedema: Patient and provider education
Author(s) -
Runowicz Carolyn D.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19981215)83:12b+<2874::aid-cncr42>3.0.co;2-4
Subject(s) - medicine , lymphedema , radiation therapy , breast cancer , patient education , health professionals , family medicine , physical therapy , intensive care medicine , nursing , cancer , surgery , health care , economics , economic growth
BACKGROUND The majority of patients schedules for breast surgery or radiation therapy for breast carcinoma do not receive basic information about the risk of lymphedema or its treatment. METHODS A review of the literature documenting patient and provider education on the risk, prevention and treatment of lymphedema was undertaken. RESULTS Formal education about lymphedema is not a part of the training of most medical and allied health professionals. Thus, patients do not receive information about the risk, prevention, or treatment of lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS Educational strategies for patients and providers need to be developed and implemented. Cancer 1998;83:2874‐2876. © 1998 American Cancer Society.