Lymphoedema

Frequently asked questions

• Who is at risk of developing lymphoedema?

  Individuals who have undergone surgery and radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer are particularly susceptible to lymphoedema. We encourage you to speak with your surgeon, oncologist, breast care nurse or lymphoedema therapist about your specific risk factors for lymphoedema.

• When am I at greatest risk of developing breast-cancer related lymphoedema?

  Lymphoedema can develop in around 1 in 5 people with breast cancer. The risk is highest in the first one to three years following breast cancer treatment, so this is a common time that you should be on alert for potential signs and symptoms. Regular lymphoedema screening is a good idea particularly if you are considered to be at higher risk.

  Unfortunately, your risk never totally goes away, and some people can develop lymphoedema even many years after breast cancer treatment.

• What can I do to reduce my risk of developing lymphoedema?

  Lymphoedema is unfortunately one of the possible side effects of certain treatments for breast cancer.

  We know that breast cancer treatment which involves removal of lymph nodes, radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs can cause lymphoedema. However, even after having treatments for breast cancer, there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of lymphoedema such as:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Exercising and keeping active as much as possible

  • Practicing good skin care to help prevent infection

  • Moisturising the skin regularly in an upwards direction towards your armpit

  • Avoiding having injections into the at-risk arm

  • Having regular lymphoedema screening and monitoring

• What is lymphoedema screening?

  Screening and monitoring can help detect lymphoedema in the early stages. There are a number of different methods of lymphoedema screening such as:

  1. Body measurements – using a tape measure to measure whether there is a difference in circumference between the affected and non-affected arm.

  2. Pitting test – the thumb is pressed down onto the skin on the arm for 60 seconds and released. If there is a visible indentation that is not present on the unaffected arm, this can indicate a fluid buildup in the area.

  3. Perimetry measurement – to test for changes in the circumference and volume of the limb.

  These screening methods test whether there is any measurable difference in size between your affected and normal arm or limb at the earliest possible clinical stage.

  Bioimpedance spectroscopy using a SOZO device is the newest form of technology for lymphoedema screening that detects the earliest signs of subclinical lymphoedema. During this subclinical stage, there is a small amount of water build-up in the tissue but no noticeable visible signs or symptoms or swelling. If lymphoedema is detected, it can be managed before it progresses to a clinical stage.

• What happens if I’m identified as having early indications of developing lymphoedema?

  Our team will provide you with a list of qualified lymphoedema practitioners in your local area who can help provide education and treatment for the early signs and symptoms of lymphoedema.