skip to main content

Cancer-related fatigue — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardExercise PrescriptionCancer-related fatigueSCE Medical Oncology

A breast-cancer survivor has stable arm lymphoedema after axillary clearance and wishes to resume supervised resistance training. Cellulitis, recurrent nodal disease and venous thrombosis have been excluded. What advice follows NICE NG101?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Progress upper-limb exercise gradually alongside the established lymphoedema programme

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

E is correct. NICE advises that physical activity, including upper-limb exercise, does not worsen breast-cancer-related lymphoedema and may improve quality of life. Gradual progression, symptom monitoring and integration with the individual compression and lymphoedema plan are sensible. Complete avoidance promotes deconditioning, and a five-year lower-limb-only restriction has no evidence base. Compression is first-line lymphoedema management but is not a replacement for physical activity. Maximal unsupervised loading ignores her current weakness and the need for graded rehabilitation. New rapid swelling, pain, erythema or systemic symptoms would trigger reassessment.

Reference: NICE NG101 breast-cancer-related lymphoedema recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng101/chapter/Recommendations