Recent studies found that breast cancer survivors who practice weightlifting exercises are less likely to develop lymphedema symptoms than those non weightlifting peers experiencing debilitating symptoms .
Researchers found that slowly building upper body strength with weightlifting and arm exercises can relieve some of hand and arm swelling that takes place in breast cancer survivors who had removed their lymph nodes under arms in mastectomy or breast cancer surgery.
Mr. Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, an associate professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a member of Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, lead author of the study, says that, “Our study challenges the historical medical recommendations for women who get lymphedema after breast cancer, and is another example of well-meaning medical advice turning out to be misguided.”
Read full report at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
