A comprehensive meta-analysis indicates that exercise significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer-related lymphedema by an overall 29%. The systematic review examined 17 studies involving 2,739 individuals, finding that those who engaged in exercise had a lower incidence of lymphedema compared to non-exercisers.
Most studies focused on upper-limb lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, but exploratory analyses suggest broader benefits. This evidence supports clinicians in recommending exercise as a key component of survivorship care, even amidst patient concerns about potential swelling.
While the certainty of evidence is rated as low, the findings suggest that various exercise modes and supervision levels may be beneficial. Researchers emphasize the need for more rigorously designed trials to clarify these effects across different cancer types and patient profiles.