People are living longer than ever before with and after cancer. Up to 100,000 people are currently living with the disease Ireland, so there is a growing need to really understand the sweeping life changes a cancer diagnosis brings.
Lymphoedema is a common complication. Pronounced lim-fo-dee-ma, the condition is a long-term (chronic) swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. It happens when the lymphatic system, which normally drains fluid away, is unable to work properly. Lymphoedema can affect any part of the body and men and women of all ages – from birth to old age. There is no cure.
Conservative estimates suggest that 20 per cent of breast, genitourinary, gynaecological, or melanoma survivors will experience secondary lymphoedema, with upwards of 15,000 people living with the condition.
Here are five things you should know:
What Causes Lymphoedema?
There are two types: Primary Lymphoedema, a congenital or genetic abnormality of the lymphatic system (you may be born with this condition or it may develop at puberty or later in life) and Secondary Lymphoedema, which develops because of damage to lymphatic vessels due to the removal of lymph nodes, radiotherapy to lymph nodes, extensive scarring, infection, obesity or large wounds.
What are the symptoms?
Early warning signs of lymphoedema can include swelling of a limb or other region of the body. Infection is often the first sign of a problem, with feelings of aching, heaviness, stiffness in the affected body part. Clothing, jewellery or shoes may feel tighter.
What is the treatment?
There is no cure for Lymphoedema. However, if diagnosed and treated early by an experienced specialist, the extreme swelling can be controlled and reduced and infection prevented. Severe swelling may require more intensive treatment called combined decongestive therapy (CDT) or decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).
Who does it affect?
Approximately 15,000 people in Ireland are estimated to have Lymphoedema and the numbers are rising, with over 1,200 developing Lymphoedema each year following treatment for cancer.
Where can I learn more?
Lymphoedema Ireland aims to highlight the condition for those who may be at risk, reach-out to those who may be living with the condition and feeling isolated and alone, and raise awareness of Lymphoedema within the medical community.
As part of Lympheodema Awareness Month, which runs throughout March, an open day will place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 in the Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8 from 12 noon until 5pm. For more information and to book a place, visit Lymphireland.com.
