Incidence and risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema:a retrospective cohort study / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the incidence of breast cancer?related lymphedema ( BCRL) in China and to analyze the associated risk factors. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and the incidence of BCRL in 281 patients who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer and received surgery. The incidence of BCRL was evaluated using arm circumference measurement and Norman questionnaire. The risk factors for lymphedema were analyzed using chi?square test and logistic regression model. Results In all patients,the incidence rates of BCRL determined by arm circumference measurement and Norman questionnaire were 31?7% and 27?0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that postoperative radiotherapy,a preoperative body mass index no less than 24 kg/m2 ,a large axillary lymph node dissection area,and a large number of positive axillary lymph nodes significantly increased the risk of BCRL (HR=2?87,P=0?042;HR=2?54,P=0?011;HR=1?97,P=0?037;HR=1?06,P=0?023). Moreover, patients with breast cancer and hypertension had 1?74?fold higher risk of BCRL than those with normal blood pressure. Conclusions The incidence of BCRL is still very high. However,most of patients only have mild edema. Postoperative radiotherapy, a large axillary lymph node dissection area, a large number of positive axillary lymph nodes,a high preoperative body mass index,and hypertension are risk factors for BCRL.