THE NECESSITY OF COMPRESSION GARMENTS IN MANAGING LYMPHEDEMA

Abstract

Background Lymphedema affects millions of cancer patients and survivors in the United States (US). The consequences of inadequately treated lymphedema include physiological changes that signi cantly impact their quality of life. Discussion Complete Decongestive Therapy, the conservative standard of care for lymphedema, consists of manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercises, and skin care, followed by the wearing of gradient medical compression garments to maintain the effects of treatment.1 Compression garments are imperative to controlling post-cancer edema and preventing disability and infections. However, obtaining compression garments, which need replacement approximately every six months, is often cost- prohibitive for patients due to the lack of insurance coverage for these prescribed medical supplies, resulting in non-compliance.2 Conclusion Compression garments are essential and effective tools in the management of lymphedema. The garments can facilitate engagement in self-care, self-suf ciency, decrease the swelling caused by a build-up of lymph uid, and decrease the incidence of infections and hospitalization.3 Legislation to improve insurance coverage for lymphedema compression supplies is vital to the 3-5 million patients in the US affected by lymphedema, a large percentage of whom are cancer survivors.4As stakeholders in the patient outcomes of cancer survivors, it is imperative that physicians, and other healthcare providers, advocate for the passage of the federal Lymphedema Treatment Act bill.

Keywords

• lymphedema
• compression garments
• cancer
• lymphedema mana- gement
• complete decongestive therapy
• compression
• lymphatic
• vascular disease