Secondary lymphoedema to be primary focus of March 11 program
February 12, 2008The Rural Health Education Foundation has partnered with National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) to produce a television program on the management of secondary lymphoedema.
The program, titled The Management of Secondary Lymphoedema, will air on Tuesday 11 March and aims to increase awareness of the incidence and prevalence of secondary lymphoedema in Australia for all cancers and the associated risk factors.
The program identifies prevention and treatment strategies along with clinical guides and other resources that can assist with the early identification and management of secondary lymphoedema. The program is relevant to a range of health professionals including general practitioners, nurses, surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiation and medical oncologists.
Live program featuring an expert panel
The format of The Management of Secondary Lymphoedema is a filmed panel discussion led by Dr Norman Swan and featuring leading medical practitioners including Associate Professor Andrew Spillane, Surgical Oncology, University of Sydney Northern Clinical School, VMO Surgeon RNSH and RPA Hospital, Sydney; Dr Verity Ahern, radiation oncologist at Westmead Hospital; and Dr Julie Thompson, NBOCC Primary Care Manager and rural general practitioner.
Ms Kerryn Shanley, physiotherapist at Mt Wilga Private Hospital and President–elect of the Australasian Lymphology Association, will highlight the important role lymphoedema practitioners play in the management of the condition.
The program will be broadcast live across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s satellite television network on Tuesday 11 March at 8pm AEDT and repeated on Friday 14 March. It will be available for purchase on DVD or VHS from the Foundation and also available free on the Internet to view via webstreamed video or to listen to as an audio podcast.
8,000 new cases every year
Secondary lymphoedema can occur as a result of surgery or radiation therapy for cancer in which the lymph nodes are removed or damaged. At least 20 per cent of patients treated for melanoma, breast, gynaecological or genitourinary cancers will experience secondary lymphoedema following treatment for cancer. According to National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre this equates to more than 8000 new cases per year in Australia.
“Secondary lymphoedema can develop any time after treatment for cancer, with 70 to 80 per cent of patients presenting within the first 12 months of treatment,” said Dr Helen Zorbas, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre Director. “For those who are affected lymphoedema can be quite debilitating, not only in appearance, but it can also affect their body image, their mobility and functionality. Intervention at an early stage can reduce the severity of the condition and greatly improve quality of life.”
More information
For more information, visit the program webpage.