Current Evidence Based Practices and Nurses Role for Clinical Management of Post Mastectomy Lymphedema: A Literature Review

With the high prevalence of breast cancer across the globe, the first line treatment option for most is surgery. The outcome is fairly beneficial for recovery to normal. However short and long- term side effects are not uncommon among these patients. Post mastectomy lymphedema, a long-term complication in breast cancer patients is one such and cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed. Develops any time after a surgery, months or years later and significantly impairs self-efficiency, quality of life in patients. When treated at early stage the condition is reversible however in severe and late stages causes irreversible damage. This review examines literature in exploring current evidence-based practices highlighting the challenges, risk factors, symptom burden, expert recommendations for risk reduction and clinical practices for nurses to effectively manage post mastectomy lymphedema.