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The condition known as lymphedema is more common in obese women than those of normal weight, according to new research.

Characterised by a painful swelling of the arm or shoulder area, it often develops after breast surgery which involves the removal or damage to the lymph nodes in the armpit.

A recent study of 193 breast cancer survivors at the University of Missouri-Columbia indicated that women who were overweight or obese were at a 40 to 60 per cent higher risk of developing the condition.

Writing in the Journal of Lymphoedema, Dr Jane M Armer and colleagues noted that approximately two-thirds of cancer survivors are at risk of developing the condition in the 30-month period following surgery.

"Lymphedema has a profound impact on health and well-being, but often goes undiagnosed and untreated by physicians and patients," Dr Armer said.

Elsewhere, a study recently conducted by Japanese scientists claimed drinking one cup of coffee a day could half the risk of developing mouth cancer.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm and is filed under Cholesterol / Obesity.