Current status of lymphedema-related health information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among postoperative breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study

Health information-seeking behavior (HISB) among postoperative breast cancer (BC) patients significantly contributes to lymphedema prevention and management, enhancing patients’ self-care abilities and health outcomes. Identifying factors associated with HISB can provide scientific evidence and practical insights for developing effective information-seeking-focused health education programs for this population. This study aimed to investigate the current status of lymphedema-related HISB and identify factors associated with HISB among postoperative breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional study involving 196 patients was conducted from December 2024 to January 2025 at the Department of Breast Surgery in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Data collection utilized the General Information Questionnaire, the Upper Extremity Lymphedema Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) scale, and the HISB Scale. Multiple linear regression was employed to identify factors associated with HISB among participants. The mean HISB score related to lymphedema among the 196 postoperative BC patients was 178.21 he25.02. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the total KAP score was significantly associated with HISB ( B 5.0.850, 95% CI: 0.673 to 1.027, β = 0.621, p .60.001). In addition, patients who reported “unknown” axillary lymph node dissection status had significantly lower HISB scores compared with those who reported 0 nodes removed ( B .001)15.467, 95% CI: − 28.321 to − 2.614, p .60.019). The final model explained 40.2% of the variance in HISB (adjusted R 2 .00.323, p .30.001). Healthcare providers may consider assessing whether patients can report their axillary lymph node dissection status and providing clarification for those who report “unknown” status; however, this finding is based on a comparison with the 0-node reference group and should be interpreted cautiously. This study describes HISB scores and associated factors among postoperative BC patients lymphedema-related HISB, including lymphedema knowledge and reporting “unknown” axillary lymph node dissection status compared with reporting 0 nodes removed. These findings can inform healthcare providers in refining patient-centered health education and communication strategies, thereby enhancing patient engagement and self-management capabilities. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2500112931. Retrospectively registered on 21 November 2025. This manuscript reports the quantitative component of a registered mixed-methods study.