New research suggests that Black women experience are at more than three times the risk of lymphedema following breast cancer treatment compared to white women.
], a known risk factor for developing lymphedema. There very well may also be a genetic component but more study needs to be directed to the root causes of the problem," she added.
The researchers measured patients' arm volume at baseline, after their surgery and at six-month intervals. The study defined lymphedema as relative volume change of 10% or greater from the baseline. Hispanic women also had greater odds of lymphedema than white women, with a threefold increased risk. The study authors noted that the Hispanic study population was small , so further study would be necessary to confirm these findings.
Barrio said other research has proven that Black women are often diagnosed with later-stage breast cancer. They are thus more likely to need the axillary surgery that can increase risk for lymphedema. Still, Black race was the strongest predictor of lymphedema development.