Lymphoedema and Cancer

It is estimated that 250,00 Australian men and women have, or are at risk of developing lymphoedema. Many people get it through injury, geneticaly or from having surgery on the breast, armpit or groin. Lymphoedema can develop when the bodys' lymphatic system fails or is overloaded. While lymphoedema is not life threatening, it can have a considerable impact on the pateint's quality of life. About 30% of cancer patients especially those who suffer from breast cancer, may develop lymphoedeema because of surgery or radiotherapy treatments.

The main signs of possible of risk include:

persistent swelling that may come and go.
feelings of heaviness, pain or tension in the limb,
a bursting feeling in the limb,
pins and needles,
numbness, and
redness and a sensation of heat.

It is advisable to seek consultation with a health professional who is knowledgable about lymphoedema after surgery and radiotherapy.

Contacts:

Michael Graham - Maclean Phone (02) 6640 0123

Lola Mc Phee - Grafton Phone (02) 6640 2235

Rosalind Cress - Lismore Phone (02) 6620 2155

Kate Jackson - Kyogle Hospital Phone (02) 6632 2598

Anne-Marie Patch - Ballina Phone (02) 6686 2111

Lousie Miller - Mullumbimbi Community Health Phone (02) 6685 7612

Richarda Funke - Murwillumbah Hospital (02) 6672 0235

Leanne Wright-Tweed Community Health (07) 5506 7541