Exercise for women with or at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in American women each year. Lymphedema is a possible complication following breast cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery due to the potential damage to the lymphatic system with these treatments. Breast cancerrelated lymphedema is an atypical chronic inflammation to the upper extremities resulting from an accumulation of protein-rich edema. Symptoms of lymphedema include pain, heaviness, and tightness. There are three stages of lymphedema. Stage I is reversible. Stage I and II are possible following breast cancer treatment as is stage III, but stage III is rarely seen in this population.