After breast cancer surgery: lowering your risk of arm swelling

Who is at risk?

Arm swelling (lymphoedema) can develop months or years after treatment for breast cancer. The risk is higher if:

many lymph glands were removed from the armpit,
you had radiotherapy to the glands,
you are overweight.

It is lower if only a few glands (sentinel nodes) were removed.

What helps

Measure both arms before surgery, and then regularly afterwards. Small changes picked up early are easier to treat.
Exercise. Gentle arm movements from soon after surgery, then progressive strength training. This is safe and may lower the risk.
Keep a healthy weight.
A compression sleeve in the first year after removal of many glands with radiotherapy may reduce early swelling. Ask your surgeon or therapist whether it is right for you.

You do not need to protect the arm from everything

Blood pressure checks, injections, flying and hot weather have not been shown to cause lymphoedema. You can live normally. Look after cuts and scratches on the arm and treat any infection quickly.

Early signs to watch for

A feeling of heaviness, tightness or aching in the arm, hand, breast or chest wall.
Rings, watches or sleeves that feel tighter on one side.
Visible swelling.

Tell your doctor or therapist early. Early lymphoedema responds best to treatment, usually with a compression sleeve and exercise.

General information based on the Lymphoedema Evidence Library (www.vascular.co.za/lymph-evidence.html), 31 October 2026. It does not replace advice from your own doctor or therapist.