Lower limb lymphedema awareness among gynecological cancer patients: an international survey supported by the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) group
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Published version
Author(s)
Haidopoulos, Dimitrios
Pergialiotis, Vasilios
Papageorgiou, Maria
Halaska, Michael J
Maxova, Katerina
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Patient awareness of postoperative lymphedema in the field of gynecologic oncology has been poorly documented in the international literature. We wished to capture and document the awareness among gynecological cancer survivors about postoperative lymphedema, including aspects such as the adequacy of perioperative counseling, management, and quality of life. METHODS: A web-based survey comprising 25 multiple-choice questions was distributed to gynecological cancer advocacy groups within the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) group. The survey was validated in a pilot group of gynecological patients prior to distribution. RESULTS: Overall, 386 women from 20 countries completed the questionnaire. Only half of the patients (n = 211) knew what lymphedema is, whereas 52% of the respondents stated that they were never informed at their pre-operative assessment about the potential risk of developing lymphedema. Fifty-three percent of those women who were informed about the risk and management of lymphedema received information through self-initiative, connecting mainly with patient groups or online. Approximately 84% of patients with lymphedema reported that they informed their doctor about their symptoms. Ninety-four patients (55.3%, which is not 55% of the 386) were treated for lymphedema. Forty-five women out of 136 reported that lymphedema significantly affected their everyday lives. DISCUSSION: We report a large lack of awareness and a significant gap of knowledge about the risks and treatment options related to postoperative lymphedema among gynecological cancer survivors. Institutional practice routines and awareness among professionals need to be urgently recalled and adapted to adequately inform and support gynecological cancer patients.
Date Issued
2024-04-02
Date Acceptance
2024-04-12
Citation
Cancers, 2024, 16 (8)
ISSN
2072-6694
Publisher
MDPI AG
Journal / Book Title
Cancers
Volume
16
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38672626
Subjects
cancer
electronic survey
gynecologic oncology
lymphedema
patient awareness
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Switzerland
Article Number
1544
Date Publish Online
2024-04-18