NIH-funded research R03 grant

Exploring lymphedema symptoms and lifestyle in breast cancer survivors who are nurses

Official title: Nurses Surviving Breast Cancer: An exploration of breast cancer diagnosis, reported lymphedema symptoms, and lifestyle status in the Nurses' Health Study Survey

Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10865488 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how breast cancer-related lymphedema affects nurses who have survived breast cancer, focusing on their symptoms and daily challenges, to better understand their needs and improve support for them.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project startSeptember 13, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$156,500
NIH project number1R03CA289066-01
Project IDNIH-10865488 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are female nurses who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are experiencing lymphedema symptoms.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been diagnosed with breast cancer or do not experience lymphedema symptoms may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) on nurses who have survived breast cancer, focusing on their symptoms, lifestyle, and the challenges they face in managing their condition. By utilizing the extensive Nurses' Health Study database, the project aims to gather data on the incidence and management of BCRL, which is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. The study will analyze how factors such as age, comorbidities, and psychosocial changes affect the self-management of lymphedema among these survivors. The goal is to improve understanding and support for breast cancer survivors dealing with this condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies and support systems for breast cancer survivors experiencing lymphedema.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been smaller studies on lymphedema in breast cancer survivors, this research is novel in its use of a large, longitudinal database for comprehensive analysis.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Missouri-Columbia
    Columbia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Anderson, Elizabeth a — University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Study coordinator: Anderson, Elizabeth a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • HER2 in breast cancer among diverse communities

    This project looks at genetic and molecular factors linked to HER2-positive breast cancer in women from Hispanic/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous American, African, and other diverse backgrounds.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11512975

  • Bioengineered lymphatic healing platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema

    A new brainy hydrogel-based approach aims to help people who develop lymphedema after breast cancer by guiding and regenerating lymphatic vessels.

    NIH research Rice University · Houston, United States · NIH-11359627

  • Understanding HER2-positive breast cancer in diverse communities

    This project looks at genetic and tumor features that may explain why HER2-positive breast cancer is more common in Hispanic/Latina, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, and other diverse groups.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11320872

  • Why Black women have higher risk of arm swelling after breast cancer surgery

    This project looks for cellular reasons why Black women are more likely to develop long-term arm swelling after lymph node removal for breast cancer.

    NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11249991

  • Using advanced imaging technology to improve breast cancer surgery outcomes

    This study is testing a new imaging technology that helps doctors check the edges of tissue removed during breast surgery in real-time, aiming to reduce the chances of needing extra surgeries and improve outcomes for patients.

    NIH research Marquette University · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11136223

  • A new treatment platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema

    This study is testing a new gel treatment for breast cancer survivors who have lymphedema, aiming to help them feel better by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing symptoms in a less invasive way.

    NIH research Rice University · Houston, United States · NIH-11123016

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.