Learn more about Lymphoedema Awareness Week

CHAIRMAN of the Yeovil Lymphoedema Support Group is hoping to raise awareness about the condition that cause pain and loss of mobility.

Lymphoedema affects around 16,000 people in the UK.  In order to raise the profile of the condition, the British Lymphology Society are holding Lymphoedema Awareness Week from September 16-23.

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition that causes swelling in the body's tissue. This can lead to pain and a loss of mobility.

There are two main types of lymphoedema.  Primary lymphoedema develops at birth or shortly after puberty and is caused by faulty genes.

More common is secondary lymphoedema, caused by damage to the lymphatic system as a result of an infection, injury, trauma, or cancer.  Secondary lymphoedema often develops as a side effect of cancer treatment.

Surgery is often necessary to remove lymph glands to prevent a cancer from spreading, but this can damage the lymphatic system.

Radiotherapy, where controlled doses of high-energy radiation are used to destroy cancer cells, can also damage the lymphatic system.

Lymphoedema occurs more frequently in women, possibly because it can sometimes be a side effect of breast cancer surgery.

The Yeovil Lymphoedema Support Group chairman Linda Lines said: “Cancer Research UK estimates than one in five women may have lymphoedema in their arm after they have had radiotherapy or lymph nodes removed to treat breast cancer.

“Although lymphoedema cannot be cured, it can be managed using a combination of treatments which can include massage, bandaging and compression garments.

“Failure to treat effectively can lead to recurrent bouts of infection, severe swelling and hardening of the affected area and consequential loss of mobility.”

Many people in Somerset live with the condition.  Apart from medical help, there are active support groups which operate in both Yeovil and Taunton.

These friendly groups provide mutual support through newsletters and companionship at regular meetings.

Both groups can be contacted through either St Margaret’s Hospice at Taunton on 01823-345901 or at Yeovil on 01935-789480.  New members are always welcome.

Information about lymphoedema can be found on the NHS website at www.NHS.uk while news on the forthcoming awareness week can be found here at www.thebls.com .

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