Body Awareness and Functionality in Lymphedema

Effects of Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Treatment on Body Awareness and Upper Extremity Functionality

To determine whether body awareness and upper extremity functionality are affected in patients with or without lymphedema development after breast cancer surgery in comparison with individuals without a history of cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

first group:

• being female,
• being aged 18-65 years,
• having undergone unilateral breast cancer surgery,
• being diagnosed with secondary lymphedema in the upper extremity according to the International Lymphedema Association
• not having any orthopedic disease that would prevent walking, and volunteering to participate in the study.

second group:The inclusion criteria for the breast cancer surgery group

• without lymphedema were being female,
• being aged 18-65 years,
• having undergone unilateral breast cancer surgery, and volunteering to participate in the study.

Lastly, the inclusion criteria for the control group were:

• being female,
• being aged 18-65 years,
• having no history of cancer surgery, and volunteering to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria: for all groups

• not being willing to participate in the study;
• the presence of metastases, neurological, or orthopedic disorders;
• postural deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis;
• mental and cognitive disorders; or communication/cooperation problems