If you do not have symptoms for breast cancer related lymphedema you do NOT need to wear a compression sleeve when flying. 

This is the one area where survivors have been consistently told they should wear compression when flying, whether they had lymphedema or not. Research now confirms that as long as you do not have any of the symptoms: pain, heaviness, numbness, tingling pins and needles, loss of strength, slow healing cuts or scratches, or difficulty doing daily tasks; you do not need to wear compression. Air travel does not cause lymphedema. It can make lymphedema worse if you already have it but do not know you have it.

Remember there is a high level of under-diagnosis happening. So if you have symptoms you should be properly fitted for a compression garment to be safe. Shifts in cabin pressure while flying are not unlike shifts in the barometric pressure when the weather is changing or preparing to change. If you notice the day before a storm your arm is achy, you should probably wear compression on a flight as well. 

Not sure? Ask in the comments or DM me and we can puzzle it out.

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