Lower Limb Lymphedema Awareness among Gynecological Cancer Patients: An International Survey Supported by the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) Group

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00064173%3A_____%2F24%3A43926979" target="_blank" >RIV/00064173:_____/24:43926979 - isvavai.cz</a>

Alternative codes found

RIV/00216208:11120/24:43926979

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081544" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081544</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081544" target="_blank" >10.3390/cancers16081544</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Lower Limb Lymphedema Awareness among Gynecological Cancer Patients: An International Survey Supported by the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) Group

Original language description

INTRODUCTION: Patient awareness of postoperative lymphedema in the field of gynecologic oncology has been poorly documented in the international literature. We wished to capture and document the awareness among gynecological cancer survivors about postoperative lymphedema, including aspects such as the adequacy of perioperative counseling, management, and quality of life. METHODS: A web-based survey comprising 25 multiple-choice questions was distributed to gynecological cancer advocacy groups within the European Network of Gynecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) group. The survey was validated in a pilot group of gynecological patients prior to distribution. RESULTS: Overall, 386 women from 20 countries completed the questionnaire. Only half of the patients (n = 211) knew what lymphedema is, whereas 52% of the respondents stated that they were never informed at their pre-operative assessment about the potential risk of developing lymphedema. Fifty-three percent of those women who were informed about the risk and management of lymphedema received information through self-initiative, connecting mainly with patient groups or online. Approximately 84% of patients with lymphedema reported that they informed their doctor about their symptoms. Ninety-four patients (55.3%, which is not 55% of the 386) were treated for lymphedema. Forty-five women out of 136 reported that lymphedema significantly affected their everyday lives. DISCUSSION: We report a large lack of awareness and a significant gap of knowledge about the risks and treatment options related to postoperative lymphedema among gynecological cancer survivors. Institutional practice routines and awareness among professionals need to be urgently recalled and adapted to adequately inform and support gynecological cancer patients.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

30204 - Oncology

Project

—

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2024

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Cancers

ISSN

2072-6694

e-ISSN

2072-6694

Volume of the periodical

16

Issue of the periodical within the volume

8

Country of publishing house

CH - SWITZERLAND

Number of pages

10

Pages from-to

1544

UT code for WoS article

001210238800001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85191499580