University of Alberta researcher Margie McNeely says results from an international study she was part of indicate that certain precautions about the risk of lymphedema for breast cancer survivors are outdated. …

McNeely says women who’ve had breast cancer surgery are often warned that pressure changes in an airplane cabin could trigger lymphedema, chronic swelling in the arm. She adds that, until now, information about air travel and lymphedema risk has not been based on solid evidence. A study she did with an Australian research team, however, shows that the risk of developing lymphedema during flight is very low.

“We found that only five per cent of these women are likely at risk of developing any arm swelling when flying,” said McNeely. “This tells us that maybe we are scaring women a little bit too much about this.” …

Breast cancer survivors don’t need to be afraid of air travel: U of A study

Thanks Dale.