Internet-Based Nursing Guidance May Reduce Postoperative Lymphedema Risk in Breast Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

New research conducted in the People's Republic of China suggests that internet-based nursing guidance may have a significant impact on reducing the risk of postoperative upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. The study, which included 208 female patients who underwent breast and lymph node surgery between 2020 and 2021, found that high BMI, axillary lymph node dissection, and radiotherapy are highly associated with the occurrence of lymphedema. In contrast, urban residence and high-frequency internet-based nursing guidance were associated with a lower probability of lymphedema.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 24% (50/208) of patients developed lymphedema during a 12-month period, with multivariate analysis identifying high BMI (OR 7.924, 95% CI 3.197-19.638), axillary lymph node dissection (OR 6.144, 95% CI 2.117-17.838), and radiotherapy (OR 4.209, 95% CI 1.615-10.971) as independent risk factors.
  • Receiving guidance 1-2 times per week, compared with 3 times per week, was associated with a higher risk of lymphedema (OR 9.752, 95% CI 3.158-30.111), while receiving no guidance, compared with 3 times per week, was also associated with an increased risk (OR 4.068, 95% CI 1.346-12.296).
  • Socioeconomic factors, including lower education level and income, were correlated with a higher risk of lymphedema.
  • The study concluded that future randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the preventive effects of digital health interventions.

Statistics:

  • 208 female patients participated in the study.
  • 50 patients (24%) developed lymphedema during a 12-month period.
  • High BMI was associated with a 7.924-fold increased risk of lymphedema (95% CI 3.197-19.638).
  • Axillary lymph node dissection was associated with a 6.144-fold increased risk of lymphedema (95% CI 2.117-17.838).
  • Radiotherapy was associated with a 4.209-fold increased risk of lymphedema (95% CI 1.615-10.971).
  • Receiving guidance 1-2 times per week was associated with a 9.752-fold increased risk of lymphedema (95% CI 3.158-30.111).
  • Receiving no guidance, compared with 3 times per week, was associated with a 4.068-fold increased risk of lymphedema (95% CI 1.346-12.296).

Sources:

  • Impact of internet-based nursing interventions on the prevention of postoperative lymphedema in breast cancer patients: a cohort study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2025;33(8):682.
  • Springer (www.springer.com)
  • Supportive Care in Cancer (www.springerlink.com/content/0941-4355/)
  • Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University Reports Findings in Breast Cancer (Impact of internet-based nursing interventions on the prevention of postoperative lymphedema in breast cancer patients: a cohort study). Education Letter. July 23, 2025; p 172.