Think Pinker

A new study from the Pennsylvania School of Medicine is changing the way that many breast cancer survivors think. Traditionally, it has been said that after breast cancer surgery women who experience the affliction known as lymphedema (swelling of the arm and hand) should avoid strenuous lifting as the thought was that the conditions could worsen. But the new study has thrown that theory for a loop.

The study had 141 breast cancer survivors that were all diagnosed with lymphedema participate. The women were divided into two groups with one half being fitted with a special compression garment and participating in a weightlifting regimen two times per week and the other half not changing their routines at all.

When it was all said and done, the group that did lift weights experienced less of a percentage of women who had worsening conditions and many experienced less swelling as compared to those that did no weight lifting. Additional, out of the 71 that did lift weights, 9 had a worsening of the affliction and required physical therapy, but of the 70 that did nothing, 19 had the same problems.

The complete findings can be read in the August 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

As we have seen many times in the past, new ways of thinking can sometimes change the game of breast cancer all together. This news is certainly welcomed news for all those who have suffered with lymphedema but still wanted to get back into exercising. As always, ThinkPinker.com will bring you any updates as the story progresses.

You can read the entire article by visiting sciencedaily.com.