The purpose of the National Breast Cancer Lymphedema Registry is to collect health information in order to study the lymphedema as a complication of breast cancer treatment. The investigators hope to learn whether early diagnosis will help to prevent lymphedema or, if it does occur, to reduce the severity.
Historically, breast cancer-associated lymphedema has been relatively ignored, with mis-diagnosis, late diagnosis, and failure to treat. The condition has a measurable, substantial impact on patient function and perceived quality of life (QOL). Recent pilot studies suggest that interventions that are designed to facilitate early diagnosis and preventive strategies have a major impact on the incidence and severity of disease burden. This registry is designed to prospectively capture the relevant data to document the impact of preemptive diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
549
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, California, United States
Preemptive diagnostic and treatment strategies
The methods for lymphedema surveillance and detection will be correlated to the new appearance of lymphedema in this cohort of breast cancer survivors. We will also assess severity of lymphedema and responsiveness to treatment strategies.
Time frame: Each enrolled patient will be followed for an average of 1 year
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