Data on the effects of The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow program on lymphedema symptoms in breast cancer survivors

Authors

Mei Rosemary Fu, School of Nursing, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20006, USA.
Xinwen Du, Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yuan Li, Department of Neonatology Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Lan Fu, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Huaying Chen, Head & Neck Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Xiaoxia Zhang, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yuping Shui, Department of Operating Room, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Aihua Zhang, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Xianqiong Feng, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-1-2023

Journal

Data in brief

Volume

48

DOI

10.1016/j.dib.2023.109278

Keywords

Breast cancer; Lymphatic exercises; Lymphedema; Mobile health; Randomized clinical trial; Symptom management

Abstract

A substantial proportion of more than 50% of breast cancer survivors, who remain undiagnosed with lymphedema, encounter a daily struggle with the presence of multiple and concomitant lymphedema associated symptoms (i.e., lymphedema symptoms). The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow (TOLF) program was developed based on physiological-cognitive-behavioral principles to educate breast cancer survivors on effective self-care strategies. Physiologically, TOLF program was designed to stimulate lymphatic system to enhance lymph flow, thereby alleviating lymphedema symptoms and mitigating the risk and severity of lymphedema. The dataset presented in this article was obtained from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) that assessed the preventive effects of the TOLF program in improving lymphedema symptom experience and optimizing lymph fluid status among breast cancer survivors who were at higher risk for lymphedema. Between January 2019 and June 2020, a RCT was conducted to recruit 92 eligible participants who were assigned randomly to either the TOLF group (intervention) or the arm mobility group (control). Demographic and clinical data were collected at baseline and updated over the study period. Outcome data were collected at baseline and three months after intervention. Study outcomes included lymphedema symptom experience (i.e., number, severity, distress of lymphedema symptoms, and impact on daily activities) and lymph fluid status. The Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index (BCLE-SEI) was utilized to assess lymphedema symptoms and circumferential arm measurement was utilized to estimate limb volume differences (a surrogate for lymph fluid status). The dataset based on the RCT allowed confirmation of positive effects of the TOLF intervention during early postoperative period. The dataset can be further utilized as a benchmark reference in clinical settings or experimental research to determine the effects of optimal lymphatic exercise dosage on lymphedema risk reduction and symptom alleviation as well as provide a basis for future research related to this topic.

APA Citation

Fu, Mei Rosemary; Du, Xinwen; Li, Yuan; Fu, Lan; Chen, Huaying; Zhang, Xiaoxia; Shui, Yuping; Zhang, Aihua; and Feng, Xianqiong, "Data on the effects of The-Optimal-Lymph-Flow program on lymphedema symptoms in breast cancer survivors" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 2769.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2769

Department

Nursing Faculty Publications