THE Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group will sponsor a free lymphoedema information session and screening this Friday and Saturday from 9.30am at the Comfort Inn Silver Birch.
Community members are welcome to attend one of two free presentations to learn about early detection and management of lymphoedema – a risk associated with surgery or radiotherapy.
Renowned lymphoedema expert Professor Neil Piller will present a free information session for health professionals on Thursday evening, while free sessions for the general public on Friday and Saturday will include lymphoedema risk assessments and self-care workshops.
Professor Piller said previous screenings in rural and regional areas had highlighted how lymphoedema is poorly recognised and often misdiagnosed.
“Lymphoedema is swelling of a limb or part of the body due to excessive fluid in the tissues due to a damaged lymphatic system,” Professor Piller explained.
“Damage to the lymphatic system can occur when various forms of cancer are treated with surgery and radiotherapy and sometimes after other types of surgery.
“It can be painful and an uncomfortable condition affecting quality of life, the ability to work and the ability to undertake activities of daily living.”
Professor Piller said early detection of lymphoedema was crucial for better patient outcomes.
“If detected early, it is possible to reduce the risk of lymphoedema developing.
“Once it develops it can require treatment and management for a lifetime – lymphoedema does not necessarily happen straight after surgery, there is often a latent period of around two years.
“Early detection, reaction and management are crucial.”
Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Awareness Group committee member Loraine Baron invited community members to attend.
“We are very lucky to have secured Neil Piller and his staff and anyone is welcome to attend workshops on Friday or Saturday,” Ms Baron said.
The group has partnered with physiotherapist Shelley Blachut to deliver lymphoedema screening at Therapy for Life.
“We have raised funds to purchase lymphoedema screening equipment and Shelley has been training to deliver the service,” Ms Baron said.
“The service will be available at Therapy for Life in the near future.”
Limb fluid analysis will be conducted by Professor Piller and his staff on Saturday for those at medium and high risk, following risk assessment conducted on Friday from 10.30am.
Call Loraine Baron on 0402 047 266 to register or pick up a registration form at 75 Commercial Street West.
