Breast edema (swelling) is a common side effect for those who have undergone breast-conserving surgery (such as a lumpectomy) and radiation therapy, for the treatment of breast cancer. This form of persistent swelling is called breast lymphedema, as it occurs when the fluid transport capacity is decreased in the breast,…
An interesting study of breast cancer related lymphedema suggest that stem cells present in chronically swollen arms exhibit an enhanced ability to form fat tissue, an observation which may explain the dramatic rise in arm fat levels observed in cases of chronic lymphedema. Fat accumulation is a poorly understood and…
Do you think that you might be showing early signs of the chronic swelling condition known as lymphedema? Assessment by a qualified healthcare practitioner is vital for an accurate diagnosis, but learning the basics of how to self-diagnose lymphedema can help you monitor yourself more effectively and discover your symptoms…
Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can reduce estrogen levels, which often results in early menopause in breast cancer patients. As a result, this population is at special risk of developing the vaginal and urinary symptoms associated with menopause. Unfortunately, treating these symptoms in breast cancer patients poses unique challenges. Estrogen helps regulate…
Complaints of upper body pain and dysfunction are common in patients who have had breast cancer treatment. Pain that occurs in the early period following surgery, radiation or chemotherapy is to be expected; but many women are surprised to learn that longer-term disorders can also arise as a side effect…
Could the drug Ubenimex (also known as bestatin) be used to treat lymphedema in humans? A nice study was recently published, and a clinical trial is underway. But how excited should we be? **UPDATE: the clinical trial has now been completed, and as expected from our discussion below, the trial…
I was recently involved in an evaluation of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Health, Exercise, Active Living, and Therapeutic Lifestyle (HEALTh) program for breast cancer survivors (ref 1). This breast cancer exercise program consists of weekly supervised exercise sessions combined with educational seminars, with an aim to help women recover from…
This is a breast cancer psychotherapy group for women who have graduated from breast cancer treatment and are adjusting to life with a ‘new norm’. The experience of a cancer diagnosis is a life-transforming event. While there are a variety of counselling services available for women in GTA who are…
Current clinical evidence suggests that local estrogen therapy is both safe and effective for treating the vaginal and urinary symptoms of estrogen decline in menopausal women. But is it safe for breast cancer survivors? The natural decrease in estrogen levels during menopause causes vaginal atrophy (also known as atrophic vaginitis,…
A variety of upper body pain and function disorders are common in patients treated for breast cancer. Nerve disorder side effects can be some of the most severe and difficult to diagnose, due in part to their broad and variable symptoms. Patient awareness, self-advocacy, and cancer rehabilitation is needed to overcome these…
