Advancing Patient Care for Lymphatic Pain and Lymphedema

Lymphatic pain refers to various pain sensations (e.g., pain, aching, soreness, tenderness, burning, stabbing) following breast cancer treatment. Lymphatic pain affects more than half of 4 million patients treated for breast cancer in the United States. Lymphatic pain significantly impairs patients' daily living function, increases psychological distress, and decreases quality of life. As a significant risk of lymphedema, lymphatic pain indicates an early stage of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic and incurable swelling caused by an abnormal fluid build-up following breast cancer treatment. Without timely intervention in this early stage, lymphedema can progress into a chronic condition that no surgical or medical interventions can cure. The purpose of the project is to adapt The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow (TOLF) in clinical practice. A digital lymphatic pain and lymphedema assessment will be implemented in clinical practice, conduct clinician training and deliver TOLF Self-Care interventions to patients with lymphatic pain.

Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion criteria for patient participants are a) Patients over age 18 who received surgical treatment for breast cancer at least 3 months prior to the study enrollment; b) Patients reported lymphatic pain; c) Patients who are able to understand the study protocols presented in English language. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria include a) presence of a serious psychiatric condition (e.g., schizophrenia, suicidal intent) indicated by medical chart, treating oncologist or other staff, or study staff interactions that would contraindicate safe study participation; b) known metastatic disease (Stage IV), recurrence of cancer, or lymphedema due to cancer recurrence, or cancer in the thoracic or cervical regions.