Dr. Sheri Prentiss on Steps for Lymphedema Screening in Breast Cancer

Lymphedema, according to breastcancer.org, is a chronic condition which causes swelling — typically in the arm or hand on the side of the breast cancer treatment — due to a buildup of lymph fluid when the lymphatic system is damaged or disrupted. Because this condition can develop gradually and tends to progress over time, it is important to be aware of the risk of lymphedema.

March serves as Lymphedema Awareness Month, a month which is dedicated to increasing understanding of this condition and how it impacts patients, according to the Northeast Georgia Health System website.

In an interview with CURE, Dr. Sheri Yolanda Prentiss sat down to speak with us on the topic of Lymphedema Awareness Month. She expanded on what lymphedema is, the symptoms of this condition and what steps patients can take to ensure they're being screened prior to starting their breast cancer treatment.

Prentiss currently serves as the chief medical and equity officer at Culture+; chief resilience officer at ENOUGH Global; president and chief executive officer at S. Phillips Consulting LLC; and an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, in Chicago.

Transcript:

Lymphedema is a buildup of lymphatic fluid that can occur when lymph nodes have been damaged. They can be damaged by the cancer itself, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these factors. This buildup of lymphatic fluid leads to swelling. 

Lymphedema occurs in stages, ranging from stage zero to stage three. In the first two stages, zero and one, swelling is not visible, and the condition is reversible. However, by stage two, lymphedema becomes irreversible and develops into a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. 

Here is the thing. Patients are now in a world where they must advocate for themselves. Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants [are managing] an increasing volume of patients while handling extensive documentation, all while navigating their own lives. I admonish every patient to advocate for themselves and ensure they are screened. The first question you should ask yourself is: What am I doing to ensure the best possible survivorship? Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, your care team’s primary focus is eradicating cancer cells. However, in that effort, other conditions — such as lymphedema — may be overlooked if you are not proactive. These conditions can significantly impact survivorship. 

To ensure proper monitoring, you should ask your care team three key questions at your very first appointment, regardless of whether you are seeing a surgical oncologist, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist. All three should be able to answer these questions: 

No.1. Do you have a lymphedema management program? If not, where can I go for lymphedema care? 

No.2. What tools do you use to monitor for early detection of lymphedema? Specifically, do you offer L-Dex testing using a SOZO device? 

No.3. How long do you monitor lymphedema patients? 

These three questions are essential to ensure proper lymphedema monitoring and management.

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