Although the risk of lymphedema is partly related to the number of lymph nodes removed and whether or not radiation to the armpit is done, it is still not clear why some breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema and others do not. It is also not clear which strategies work best to prevent lymphedema. However, it is generally believed that injury or infection to the arm can trigger lymphedema. So it is best to take steps to reduce the risk of injury or infection. Although the following tips have not been proven in clinical trials, they may work for some people.
雖然淋巴水腫的風險部分是因為切除了大多數的淋巴結，或是做了腋窩放射線治療，它的原因還是不明，這就是為什麼有些乳癌生存者會有淋巴水腫，而有些卻不會。而最好的預防淋巴水腫對策也還是不清楚。然而，一般還是認為手臂受傷或是感染會引發淋巴水腫。所以最好還是採取措施降低受傷和感染的風險。雖然以下的方法並未經臨床測試証實，它們或許對有些人會有效。
l Tips on reducing the risk of injury or infection to the arm:
降低手臂受傷或感染風險的秘訣：
l Treat infections of the affected arm and hand immediately.
立即治療受感染的手臂和手。
l Wear gloves when doing house or garden work.
做家事或園藝時要帶手套。
l Keep the affected hand well moisturized.
讓受感染的那隻手適當的保濕。
l Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and protective clothing.
當皮膚會照射到太陽時要擦防曬乳(至少SPF15)且要穿能保護肌膚的衣服。
l Use the unaffected arm when having blood drawn, getting injections or having blood pressure taken.
抽血、打針或是量血壓的時候盡量使用另一隻不受感染的手臂。
l Avoid lifting or carrying heavy bags, purses or other objects with the at-risk arm.
避免用較有風險的那隻手臂舉或提重的包包、手提包或是其他的物體。
l Protect the arm from sunburn and avoid excess heat such as saunas, hot baths or tanning.
手臂要注重防曬，還有要避免過度受熱，例如：蒸氣浴、熱水澡或日曬。
l Do not cut cuticles.
不要修表皮。
l Use insect repellant when outdoors.
在室外時，使用防蚊液。
l Keep skin clean.
保持皮膚的清潔。
l Avoid wearing tight jewelry or clothing and wear a padded bra strap.
避免穿戴太緊的首飾或衣服，還有要穿有吊帶的定型胸罩。
l Use an electric razor, not a blade, to shave the underarm.
在刮腋毛的時候，使用電鬍刀，不要用刮鬍刀。
l Avoid any type of injury, including scratches and bruises, to the at-risk arm.
避免讓有風險的那隻手臂受到任何的傷害，包刮抓傷和擦傷。
l When flying in an airplane, wear a compression sleeve and drink lots of fluids during the flight.
當你搭飛機時，要穿戴手臂護套而且也要多補充水份。
l Rest the at-risk arm in an elevated position (above the heart or shoulder).
盡量讓有風險的那隻手臂抬高(高於心臟或是肩膀)。
l If an infection or injury does develop, it should be examined by your health care provider right away and treated as indicated.
如果手臂受到感染或是受傷了，一定要立刻讓你的醫療服務人員檢查，並且治療。
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