March 2023 is Lymphoedema Awareness Month. To mark the day and increase awareness of the condition, the ONJ Centre at Austin Health and Macquarie University are presenting a Lymphoedema Awareness and Management Information Session.
This session is for people who are worried about their risk of developing lymphoedema as a result of cancer treatment, or who have been diagnosed with lymphoedema and have concerns regarding the best treatment and management for their condition.
Held on Wednesday 29 March from 3 to 4.30pm, we will hear from guest speaker A/Prof Louise Koelmeyer, Head, Department of Health Sciences, Director ALERT Program, Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research & Treatment, Macquarie University. The session will also be facilitated by Cancer nurse Giovanna Raco.
The information session will cover what is lymphoedema, signs and symptoms, risk factors and reducing your risk, early detection, how is lymphoedema diagnosed, current treatments for lymphoedema, support services available, finding a specialist, financial support, myths and misconceptions. We look forward to hearing from Louise, who will cover all of these topics.
Lymphoedema is a swelling that develops when lymph fluid builds up in the tissues under the skin or sometimes deeper in the abdomen or chest area. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of vessels and nodes throughout the body which moves lymphatic fluid from the body tissues back into the blood stream. Cancer or cancer treatment can damage or block the lymphatic system and stop it from working properly. As a result the fluid does not drain as it should and can build up in the tissues causing swelling.
To register for this information session, use our
online registration form or call the Wellness Centre on 03 9496 3799. Please send in your questions on registration, our speaker will aim to address your questions after her presentation.