As treatments for breast cancer continue to improve, we stay up to date by offering patients state of the art and innovative solutions. Some life saving treatments can still cause collateral damage. Lymphedema, a well known side effect of surgery and oncologic treatments to the breast and under arm, can be a source of discomfort. That is why we use modern techniques like reverse lymphatic mapping, careful surgical planning and sentinel lymph node biopsy to reduce the incidence of lymphedema. We also work closely with regional physical therapists and integrative oncologists who specialize in lymphedema treatment and prevention. This month we are pleased to announce our latest collaboration with Pacific Integrative Oncology. Our friends at PIO have been awarded a grant to help study lymphedema prevention. “The Feasibility of a Remote Lymphedema Prevention Program for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery” study aims to find out if a “change in knowledge” about lymphedema prevention will improve patient outcomes.
The project is funded through the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Community Partnership Program. This program is designed to build sustainable collaborations with Oregon communities by providing grants and other resources to foster development of community-identified cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship projects. The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute has made a decade-long commitment to invest in this program to develop robust, sustainable programs that benefit the health of all Oregonians. Additional information about the program is available on the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute’s website. Our goal is to recruit 50 of our patients for this important study. If you are interested in this prevention course sign up at this link. It’s free!