The role of breast cancer-related arm lymphedema in physical functioning and physical activity participation among long-term African American breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer-related arm lymphedema (BCRL) is a common chronic and debilitating condition that involves accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the arm or hand. Limited data are available on BCRL in African American women. Lack of physical activity (PA) and poor physical functioning (PF) are both associated with increased morbidity and mortality among breast cancer survivors. We examined the association of BCRL with PA and PF among African American breast cancer survivors.

323 African American women who previously participated in a case-only study in three states (TN, GA, SC) completed a survivorship-focused questionnaire (mean: 4.2 years post-diagnosis) in 2015–2016. Validated measures were used to determine BCRL, PF, and PA. Adjusted binary logistic regression models estimated ORs and 95% CIs for the association of BCRL and meeting PA guidelines (≥ 150 min/week), while multinomial logistic regression was used for PF and PA (minutes/week) categorized based on tertiles.

Approximately 32% reported BCRL since diagnosis; 25.4% reported BCRL in the last 12-months. About 26% and 50% reported that BCRL interfered with exercise and ability to do daily activities, respectively. The mean PF among those with BCRL was 51.0(SD:29.0) vs. 68.5(SD:30.1) among those without BCRL. BCRL was associated with lower PF (adjusted-OR for tertile 2: 2.12(95% CI:1.03–4.36) and adjusted-OR for tertile 1: 2.93(95% CI:1.44–5.96)).

BCRL was associated with lower PF among long-term African American breast cancer survivors. Continued monitoring by health care professionals and increased education and behavioral interventions to support PA and improved PF among survivors living with BCRL are warranted.