Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissue, leading to pain and loss of mobility. There is no cure.

Some women worry that exercise will make the problem worse, but new draft guidance from NICE says it could improve their quality of life.

Lymphoedema is caused by damage or disruption to the lymphatic system whose job it is to drain excess fluid from tissues.

“We hope the guidelines will help patients feel more confident about exercising after breast cancer” – Jackie Harris

In breast cancer, surgery is often necessary to remove lymph glands to prevent the disease from spreading, but this can damage the lymphatic system.

Radiotherapy, where controlled doses of high-energy radiation are used to destroy cancer cells, can also cause it, as can a blockage of cancer cells.

Every year in the UK, almost 10,000 people with breast cancer are thought to develop lymphoedema in their arm following treatment.

The new NICE guidance, which is subject to consultation, says clinicians should discuss with patients how exercise may improve their quality of life.

They should also stress that the current evidence shows “exercise does not prevent, cause or worsen lymphoedema”.

Other treatments people can try include massage and compression garments.

“Our proposed new recommendations should clear up any confusion” – Mark Baker

Professor Mark Baker, director of the NICE centre for clinical practice, said: “Some people may be cautious of taking up exercise as they may think it could make their lymphoedema worse or bring it about in the first place.

“Our proposed new recommendations should clear up any confusion relating to the role that exercise can play for people with or at risk of this condition. – Mark Baker

“With no cure available for lymphoedema, it is important that we provide clarity on effective ways to manage and control it where there is evidence to do so.”

About 50,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.

According to Cancer Research UK, one in five people who have been treated for breast cancer will go on to develop lymphoedema in their arm.

Sally Greenbrook, senior policy officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “We know that many women struggle to manage their lymphoedema and that some worry that exercising can make the symptoms worse.

“We welcome the introduction of clear guidelines to help healthcare professionals encourage women with lymphoedema to exercise in a way that may help to reduce the pain it can cause, and in turn improve their overall quality of life.”

Jackie Harris, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, said: “Lymphoedema affects a significant number of people after breast cancer and swelling in the arm, hand, fingers, breast or chest can severely restrict movement and impact their lives.

“Lymphoedema can be controlled but will never go away and we know that regular exercise has many benefits for those living with or at risk of lymphoedema.

“Regular movement in everyday life or work can help keep joints supple and aids lymph drainage and extra exercises can also be useful if swelling restricts movement of the arm.”

She added: “It is important that NICE is highlighting this new evidence and we hope that the guidelines will help patients feel more confident about exercising after breast cancer.”