BE-WEL trial (breast: evaluation of weight and exercise for lymphoedema) testing weight control and exercise programmes for women with breast cancer related lymphoedema: a feasibility trial

A combined body weight loss and upper body/arm exercise programme is a potential strategy for managing Breast cancer related lymphoedema (BCRL), but there is limited data on the best method for delivery or its potential efficacy. Fifty-seven women with overweight/obesity and BCRL were randomised to a 12 week supervised (n = 12) or home-based combined weight loss and upper body/arm exercise programme (n = 16), a home-based upper-body arm exercise only programme (n = 17) or standard care (n = 12). Primary outcomes were uptake, retention and changes in weight and change in Relative Arm Volume Increase (RAVI) using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Sixteen percent of women invited joined the study and 49 completed the trial (85 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN86789850 , registered 2011.