There is no accurate published data on this. Various estimates indicate that between
4-49%¹ of patients with breast cancer develop lymphedema.

In some women, lymphedema can occur within the first two years after surgery. For others, it can take up to 10-15 years for lymphedema to develop².

1. Warren, et al. (2007), Annals of Plastic Surgery, Vol 59, No 4, 464-472
2. Mortimer P.S. et al. (1996), Q J Med 89, 377-380