The effect of the Complex Decongestive Therapy on activity of daily living in women with breast cancer-related lymphedema

Background and Aim: one important complication of breast cancer treatment is the reduction in the quality of activity of daily living. The aim of this study was to survey the effect of Complete Decongestive Therapy on the independence of the activity of daily living in women with breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema. Methods and materials: A total of 33 women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were treated with Complex Decongestive Therapy icluding manual lymphatic drainage, compression garment, remedial exercise and skin care. The patients in the treatment phase were taken 2-3 weeks therapy once per day, 5 days per week. The secondary phase lasted for one month after the ending of primary phase. In this study every patient was evaluated 3 times. For evaluating the activity of daily living KATZ questionnaire was used. Results: Significant increasing in the independence in the activity of daily living (p< 0/001) was observed after treatment. Conclusion: The use of Complete Decongestive Therapy can improve the quality of activity of daily living in the patients.