Use of compression sleeves for prevention of arm swelling in women at high risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema

Women who undergo axillary lymph node dissection as part of their breast cancer surgery are at high risk for lymphedema. Arm swelling in the first year after ALND is a predictive factor of lymphedema in these women. A randomized controlled trial found that prophylactic use of compression sleeves reduced the incidence of arm swelling in women at high risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema. The authors conclude that the use of compression sleeves provides a proactive approach to the long-term prevention of lymphedema.