Advice: Skip vigorous exercise.
Fiction. The opposite is true! Engage in both aerobic exercise and resistance training, which help offset symptoms regardless of whether weight loss occurs.
Mehrara minces no words here. “Exercise in particular has been shown by several studies to help patients with lymphedema, particularly when combined with weight loss,” he says. “So telling people to avoid exercise is definitely the wrong advice based on the wealth of scientific literature.” In particular, Mehrara recommends aerobic activities like running, swimming and walking, ideally under the supervision of a physical therapist.
To learn about how a plucky group of breast cancer survivors helped to upend this myth—and started an international survivors’ phenomenon—see “How Dragon Boat Racing Gave Breast Cancer Survivors Back Their Bodies.” For even more inspiration, check out this story about a breast cancer survivor who swam the English channel—four times nonstop.
