{"id":8959,"date":"2025-03-23T00:27:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-22T13:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/?p=8959"},"modified":"2025-03-23T00:27:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-22T13:27:02","slug":"lymphoedema-awareness-month-early-detection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/lymphoedema-awareness-month-early-detection\/","title":{"rendered":"Lymphoedema Awareness Month: Early Detection Can Make a Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Lymphoedema is a chronic, often life-changing condition that affects thousands of Australians, yet it remains under-recognised and misunderstood. As part of Lymphoedema Awareness Month<\/strong> this March, Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions (CRLS) is advocating for greater awareness, earlier detection, and access to innovative treatments to help those at risk – because catching it early can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is compromised, leading to fluid buildup, swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility. It frequently develops following cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and without proper monitoring, it can become a lifelong condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cToo many patients don\u2019t realise they\u2019re at risk until the swelling starts, and by then, it\u2019s much harder to manage<\/em>,\u201d says Kate Perkins, Cancer Rehabilitation OT and Lymphoedema Therapist at CRLS. \u201cBy integrating early intervention strategies and targeted therapies, we can significantly reduce the impact of lymphoedema on a person\u2019s quality of life<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who\u2019s at Risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lymphoedema affects patients recovering from a range of cancers, including breast cancer, gynaecological cancers, melanoma, and head and neck cancer (HNC). Studies show that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd39 Over 50% of head and neck cancer patients will develop lymphoedema after treatment, affecting their ability to swallow, speak, and breathe. Some research suggests this could be as high as 75%.
\ud83d\udd39 Approximately 1 in 5 breast cancer survivors will experience Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema, which causes arm, chest, and trunk swelling, discomfort, and long-term functional limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, lymphoedema can progress to a chronic stage, significantly impacting a person\u2019s independence and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advancing Lymphoedema Treatment at CRLS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CRLS combines hands-on therapy with cutting-edge medical technology to improve outcomes for those at risk of developing lymphoedema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most promising advancements is OncoLaser\u2122, an innovative system co-founded by Kate Perkins and Dr. Catherine Norton. This protocol incorporates MLS\u00ae Laser Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that helps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n