<p>Valid and reliable subjective questionnaires are essential to enable research regarding the effect of breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) on quality of life (QoL). This review was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of four current subjective questionnaires for the evaluation of BCRL, particularly with respect to climate and ethnic or indigenous groups. Searches were performed using Medline and CINAHL databases. No studies specifically targeted indigenous groups and limited evidence is available to support the use of current questionnaires to diagnose or provide an early indication of onset of BCRL.</p>