Compression sleeves for prevention and treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence on the effectiveness of compression sleeves for prevention and treatment of breast-cancer-related lymphedema is limited. A systematic review and meta-analysis by reseachers from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine compared compression sleeves with traditional care. Among 1532 patients in studies published up to June 9, 2025, compression sleeves significantly reduced lymphedema incidence post-surgery (p=0.02) and edema voluma/circumference (p<0.001), and improved shoulder flexion (p=0.02). No significant effects were seen on shoulder abduction (p=0.18), subjective symptoms (p=0.62), or quality of life (p=0.32). Evidence quality was moderate for incidence and volume/circumference reduction, and low for other outcomes. The authors conclude that compression sleeves should be considered in lymphedema management.