A randomized controlled trial of weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer‐related lymphedema

BACKGROUND. Obesity is considered a risk factor for the development of breast cancer‐related lymphedema of the arm and as a poor prognostic factor in response to lymphedema treatment. The objective of this study was to examine weight reduction as a treatment for breast cancer‐related lymphedema. METHODS. Twenty‐one women with breast cancer‐related lymphedema were randomized either to receive dietary advice for weight reduction or to receive a booklet on general healthy eating. They were monitored for 12 weeks. RESULTS. The primary outcome measure was arm volume at 12 weeks. The results indicated a significant reduction in swollen arm volume at the end of the 12‐week period ( P = .003) in the intervention weight‐reduction group. There was a significant reduction in body weight ( P = .02) and body mass index ( P = .016) in the weight‐reduction group at the end of the 12‐week study period. CONCLUSIONS. Weight loss achieved by dietary advice to reduce energy intake can reduce breast cancer‐related lymphedema significantly. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.