Evidence Update: Body Image and Sexuality after Breast Cancer
A recent review of research examined the relationship between breast cancer and body image and sexuality. Breast cancer treatment commonly alters a woman’s reproductive and sexual functioning, body integrity, and the ways in which she self-identifies as a sexual being. Research has shown that women with breast cancer experience significantly greater rates of sexual dysfunction and poorer body image than do healthy […]
Evidence Update: Lymphedema and Shoulder Pain
TurningPoint clinicians have long been aware that there is a relationship between long-standing lymphedema and shoulder pain and problems. In a study published last month, researchers in Korea examined the relationship between lymphedema and shoulder joint changes in breast cancer patients. Forty-seven breast cancer patients with lymphedema were assessed. The duration of the arm swelling […]
Evidence Update: Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema Risk
Patients often ask us if breast reconstruction after mastectomy increases their risk of lymphedema. Several studies in the past suggest that breast reconstruction does not increase lymphedema risk. In a recent study published in October, researchers compared the number of patients who developed lymphedema in three surgical groups: mastectomy alone, immediate expander or implant and […]
Evidence Update: Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Cancer-Related Pain
Pain related to cancer and its treatment is a common problem among patients with cancer. Conventional treatment does not always relieve cancer pain satisfactorily. A recent publication analyzed and published research on the effect of massage therapy and cancer pain. Twelve available studies that included 559 total participants were reviewed. The authors found significant reductions in cancer pain with […]
