The Weekend Australian article Help for lymphoedema sufferers (27 June 2009) highlights the burden of secondary lymphoedema in Australia – including both the physical and psychosocial impact of the condition.
The article also covers a new technique that aims to detect lymphoedema earlier than physical examination, known as bio-impedence spectroscopy (BIS). The Weekend Australian reports that a pilot trial of BIS screening was recently conducted in Australia, with a larger study of the technology about to commence.
NBOCC* comment
Intervention at an early stage can reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema and limit the severity of swelling if it develops – minimising the negative impact of lymphoedema on quality of life. It is important that patients at increased risk of lymphoedema are informed to recognise the early warning signs and that their treating health professionals are proactive in inquiring about arm or leg function and comfort during routine consultations.
Research into new technologies, such as BIS, to improve the early detection of lymphoedema is important. However, validation in large clinical trials is required before any new technology can be recommended for routine use.
This website contains a comprehensive range of resources on secondary lymphoedema for health professionals and patients. These can be viewed and ordered online by clicking here.
NBOCC’s* comprehensive patient resource, Lymphoedema - what you need to know (LNKC), guides patients through the essentials of skin and foot care, exercise and diet, and the use and care of compression garments, and provides information about factors that may aggravate the condition.
The suite of resources also includes information in a range of languages and resources specifically for Indigenous patients and Indigenous Health Workers.