Consensus statement on non-cancer-related risk factors for development of secondary lymphedema

Non-cancer-related risk factors for secondary lymphedema were defined across four categories: co-morbidity, social determinants of health, behavioral factors, and environmental effectors. Based on rapid reviews of the literature and presentations at the ACS/LANA Lymphedema Summit, this working group categorized these risk factors according to the strength of evidence. Consensus agreement on level of evidence was achieved through one face-to-face working session and three follow-up virtual meetings. Findings elucidate strong evidence for co-morbidities, such as cardio/metabolic and vascular factors contributing to the risk for lymphedema. Evidence is low-to-moderate for social and behavioral factors and is lacking for environmental factors. Panel recommendations suggest a tailored approach to prospective surveillance when monitoring for secondary lymphedema that includes social determinants of health considering the growing awareness and evidence of these factors’ influence on cancer and cancer-related morbidity.