Lymphedema: Patient and provider education - Current status and future trends

BACKGROUND, The majority of patients schedules for breast surgery or radiat ion 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 educat ion 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 receiv e information about the risk, prevention, or treatment of lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS, Educational strategies for patients and providers need to be d eveloped and implemented. Cancer 1998;88:2874-6, (C) 1998 American Cancer S ociety.