Weightlifting reduces the risk and extent of lymphoedema developing in women treated for breast cancer, but doctors are reluctant to promote it for fear of inducing injury. A study compared twice weekly weightlifting with standard care for one year, in women with breast cancer and at risk of or having lymphoedema (n=154 and n=141, respectively). Scientists found significantly higher injury rates in the weightlifters than in the controls, but they were low (2.3 v 0.3 per 1000 bouts of weightlifting; The Oncologist 2012;17:1120-8, doi:10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0035).

In a study in the United Kingdom, just 30% of coronary care units used oxygen titrated to saturations in accordance with national guidelines for patients presenting with chest pain (Quarterly Journal of Medicine 2012;105:855-60, doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcs098). Compliance was no higher at units that provided percutaneous coronary intervention. Even hospitals with policies for routine oxygen prescription were no more likely to comply with guidelines on oxygen use than hospitals where oxygen is not routinely prescribed.

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