Exercise and lymphoedema: myths vs evidence

The short version

  • People were once told to avoid using their arm after breast cancer surgery to prevent lymphoedema. Research has changed that advice.
  • Trials show that slowly progressed weight lifting doesn’t make lymphoedema worse, or increase the risk of developing it.1, 2
  • International guidelines say exercise doesn’t make lymphoedema worse.3

Myth: “Don’t lift anything heavy with that arm”

What the evidence shows: in a trial of women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema, a slowly progressed weight-lifting programme didn’t make swelling worse, and fewer women had flare-ups.1 In a trial of women at risk after lymph node removal, slowly progressed weight lifting didn’t increase the chance of developing lymphoedema.2

The key: start with a light weight and increase it slowly, ideally with supervision at first.1, 3 See strength training after breast cancer.

Myth: “Exercise makes lymphoedema worse”

What the evidence shows: an international review of the evidence concluded that exercise during and after cancer treatment doesn’t make lymphoedema worse.3 Being active has many other benefits, including for fatigue, mood and fitness.

Myth: “Avoid blood tests, injections and blood pressure checks on that arm”

What the evidence shows: there’s no consistent evidence that injections, blood tests, blood pressure checks or drips in the arm on the treated side cause lymphoedema.4 You can still ask for your other arm to be used if you prefer.

Myth: “Don’t fly if you’re at risk of lymphoedema”

What the evidence shows: research suggests flying doesn’t increase the risk of developing lymphoedema. If you already have lymphoedema, ask your specialist whether to wear your compression garment when you fly.5 See travel and travel insurance.

What does matter

  • Look after your skin, to reduce the risk of infection, which can trigger lymphoedema.4
  • Keep a healthy weight, as being overweight increases the risk.4
  • Build up exercise gradually, and watch for changes.
  • Act early: tell your team about any swelling, heaviness or tightness.6

See reducing your risk of lymphoedema and lymphoedema: signs, treatment and support.

Related pages

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.

References

  1. Schmitz KH, Ahmed RL, Troxel A, et al. Weight lifting in women with breast-cancer-related lymphedema. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;361(7):664–673. doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa0810118
  2. Schmitz KH, Ahmed RL, Troxel AB, et al. Weight lifting for women at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2010;304(24):2699–2705. doi.org/10.1001/jama.2010.1837
  3. Campbell KL, Winters-Stone KM, Wiskemann J, et al. Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors: consensus statement from international multidisciplinary roundtable. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2019;51(11):2375–2390. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002116
  4. Breast Cancer Now. Reducing the risk of lymphoedema (BBC15). www.breastcancernow.org/media-assets/4icd5jsj/bbc15-reducing-the-risk-of-lymphoedema-web-pdf.pdf
  5. Future Dreams. Holidaying during and after breast cancer treatment. futuredreams.org.uk/holidaying-breast-cancer-treatment/
  6. NHS. Lymphoedema. www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymphoedema/