Risk of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors through the body composition with bioelectrical impeda

Lymphedema is a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. Some people will develop lymphedema months or even years after treatment ends. Lymphedema can be divided into two types, primary lymphedema –caused by genetic missing or faulty in the lymph vessels- and secondary lymphedema –caused by damaged lymphatic system such as result of breast cancer surgical treatment-.

We are assumed incidence of lymphedema such as genetic factors and obesity, intake of fat in food, medical. In our previous study, we used breast cancer patient with lymphedema serum to find out the proportion of fatty acid composition.We showed that there is relation between lymphedema and fatty acid composition (1). In this study we try to find out the association between fat intake and secondary lymphedema risk through dietary survey of breast cancer survivor. We collaborate with Yonsei Severance Hospital, Seoul to recruit 250 breast cancer survivors. To determine lymphedema status of breast cancer patient survivor, we use clinical diagnostic and bioelectrical impedance.

(1) Yim, Seung Yun, et al. "Serum fibronectin 1 and ApoE levels increase with risk of lymphedema in Korean breast cancer survivors." Supportive Care in Cancer23.8 (2015): 2319-2326.