[Myth: Venipuncture after Breast Carcinoma].

Abstract

Breast cancer ranges among the most commonly diagnosed oncological diseases worldwide. Strategies of timely detection and advanced multimodal therapies have significantly improved 10-year survival rates. Hence, breast cancer survivors regularly present for non-cancer related procedures. This challenges the historical practice of complete avoidance of ipsilateral venous catheter placement or blood pressure measurements. While this dogma has evolved from the belief these interventions might increase the risk of breast-cancer related lymphedema, a growing body of evidence has now proven otherwise. Ipsilateral venipunctures and catheters are not associated with increased complications of transitional limb swelling or persistent edema and ipsilateral procedures are therefore not contraindicated. Education of patients and providers are necessary to clarify on this long-standing myth.