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Purpose: Lymphedema is common among breast cancer survivors (BCS) and negatively affects quality of life. There are modifiable factors to reduce lymphedema risk and exacerbation; it is unknown how aware survivors are of these factors. We hypothesized referral to lymphedema therapy (LT) to be associated with greater lymphedema knowledge.Methods: BCS at an NCI-designated cancer center between 2014-2015 were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. Eligibility criteria were the following: age ≥18, female sex, English-speaking, > 6 months post definitive breast cancer surgery, no cancer recurrence, and no prior or subsequent second cancer. The questionnaire included sociodemographics, clinical factors including LT referral, and 10 true/false questions assessing lymphedema knowledge. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed the relationship between prior LT referral and correctly answering questions about lymphedema misconceptions.Results: Of 209 participants, 53 (25%) had been referred to LT. Those who had sentinel lymph node dissection were less frequently referred to LT [15 (14%)] than those who had axillary lymph node dissection [38 (39%)]. Five of the true/false questions had a correct response rate of |
