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Objectives: This study aims to adapt the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Arm (LSIDS-Arm) into Turkish and to test its validity and reliability. Patients and methods: Between September 2017 and July 2018, this descriptive, methodological study included a total of 186 women (mean age: 55.4±10.2 years; range, 20 to 80 years) who were diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and followed in the lymphedema outpatient clinic. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical features form, LSIDS-Arm, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Breast Cancer Scale+4 (FACT-B+4). After the linguistic and content validity of the scale was achieved, confirmatory factor analysis and known-groups validation were utilized to test the construct validity. Reliability of the survey was tested using the Cronbach alpha and Spearman Brown coefficient, item analysis, and parallel forms reliability. Results: All patients completed the questionnaire. After achievement of linguistic and content validity, confirmatory factor analysis results were found to be higher than the accepted value. Known-groups validation revealed a significant difference in the mean scores for the intensity and distress scales between the patients with and without lymphedema. Cronbach alpha for the subscales ranged from 0.61 to 0.86. Parallel forms reliability showed a moderate, significant correlation between subscales of the intensity and distress scales of the survey and the subscales of FACT-B+4. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the survey is valid and reliable and can be used to evaluate symptoms, severity of symptoms, and distress caused by BCRL symptoms in the Turkish women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To determine whether complete decongestive therapy (CDT) used in breast cancer-related lymphedema affects muscle strength in the affected arm while assessing the efficacy of the therapy itself. Material and Methods: Seventy-four patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema were included in this study. The demographic and clinical history characteristics of the patients were taken. The patients were then evaluated with measurements of extremity volumes and handgrip strengths using a hand dynamometer before and after the CDT. Data were then assessed using relevant statistical methods. Results: The mean CDT duration was 17.5 ± 8.93 days for the patients. Therapy resulted in significant improvement in the affected arm (p < 0.01). The difference between the arm with lymphedema and the other side was statistically significant, and this difference remained after the therapy (p < 0.01). The change in handgrip strength in the side with lymphedema was not found to be statistically significant after therapy (p > 0.05). Handgrip strength differences and volume differences before and after the treatment in the affected arm were not correlated (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Limbs affected with lymphedema were found to be weaker in handgrip strength and this weakness continued throughout the therapy. Strengthening exercises should be considered to be added into the treatment of patients undergoing CDT to gain better functional potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and many patients suffer from serious complaints in their arms and shoulders due to the disease itself or the treatment used. Although shoulder morbidity was shown to be a major complication in patients with breast cancer in the study, the absence of any data on lymphedema attracted our attention [[4]]. Apparent weight gain in these patients following their breast cancer treatment increases the risk of shoulder problems and lymphedema, another issue deserving attention [[5]]. [Extracted from the article]