Does lymphoedema therapy treat breast cancer?

Breast cancer treatment is planned around the tumour and may involve surgery, radiotherapy, medicines, or combinations of these. Lymphoedema therapy has a different purpose: it supports fluid movement, skin protection, comfort, and use of an affected arm or nearby area when lymphatic drainage has been disrupted.

Lymphoedema can follow breast cancer treatment, but swelling can also have other causes. A new lump, breast change, wound problem, or swelling that is rapidly changing should be assessed by the breast or oncology team rather than managed with lymphoedema techniques alone.

Tell the oncology team about heaviness, tightness, reduced shoulder movement, or swelling in the arm, breast, chest wall, or hand. Ask for a lymphoedema assessment before using compression or massage. Keep cancer appointments and use therapy alongside, not instead of, the treatment plan for the cancer. Gentle movement and skin care should follow the advice given for your operation and radiotherapy.

The [Breast Cancer](/conditions/breast-cancer/) and [Lymphoedema Therapy](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/lymphoedema-therapy/) pages explain the two care roles.

Contact the breast or oncology team promptly for a new breast or chest-wall lump, wound redness or discharge, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or an arm that becomes hot and painful. Emergency help is needed for sudden severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or collapse. Do not delay cancer review while waiting to see whether lymphoedema care changes a new symptom.

What is causing my swelling or tightness? Is lymphoedema therapy safe during my current cancer treatment? Which symptoms could suggest infection or a cancer-related change? Should I use compression, and who will fit it? How will the oncology and rehabilitation teams share my care plan?