Lymphoedema Awareness Month: 

A Journey of Minimising the Risk of Oncology-Related Lymphoedema 

By Edith Lui 

Being a lymphoedema therapist, I’ve had the privilege of helping many patients on their journey toward managing their health after cancer treatments and minimising the risk of lymphoedema. Today, I want to share a story to highlight the importance of early intervention and how lymphoedema therapy can make a world of difference. 

Sarah’s Story: A Wake-Up Call 

Sarah was a patient I met about 3 months ago. She had recently finished her cancer treatment—surgery and radiation for breast cancer—and was feeling optimistic. But deep down, she was worried. She’d heard about lymphoedema and how it could affect her arm, making it swell and feel heavy. Her oncologist had mentioned it could be a risk after her treatments, but she wasn’t sure what steps to take. 

One afternoon, Sarah noticed that her arm felt unusually tight. It wasn’t painful, but it felt heavy and slightly swollen, just enough for her to notice. She remembered her oncologist’s warning about lymphoedema and thought, “Could this be it?” and she scheduled an appointment with me. 

Understanding the Risk of Oncology-Related Lymphoedema 

I explained to Sarah that lymphoedema is a condition where excess fluid builds up in tissues, causing swelling. It’s a common concern for cancer patients, particularly after surgery or radiation that affects the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes, which help filter fluid and waste, can be removed or damaged during treatment, leading to fluid buildup in certain parts of the body. 

The risk of developing it doesn’t always show up immediately—it can develop days, months, or even years after treatment. But with early intervention, we can minimise the risk and manage symptoms before they become severe. 

The Journey to Minimise the Risk 

I could tell Sarah was eager to get started. She wanted to take action and not wait for symptoms to get worse. Our first step was to focus on educating Sarah about the small things she could do every day to minimise the risk of lymphoedema. 

1. Recognising the Early Signs 

The first thing we did was go over what to look for. Lymphoedema doesn’t always show up as a big, noticeable swelling. Sometimes, it can start with subtle signs like tightness, heaviness, or even a tingling feeling in the affected area. Sarah now knew to keep an eye on these early symptoms so she could address them quickly. 

2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) 

To help move the fluid out of her arm and improve circulation, we started manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system. MLD helps reduce swelling and improves fluid flow, especially in the early stages of lymphoedema. After just a few sessions, Sarah began to feel the difference. Her arm felt lighter, and the tightness she had noticed began to subside. 

3. Exercise and Staying Active 

One of the most empowering parts of Sarah’s journey was the gentle exercises we included in her therapy plan. Moving the body helps keep the lymphatic system flowing, so I guided her through simple arm and shoulder exercises that encouraged healthy lymphatic drainage. Sarah found that staying active not only minimised the risk of lymphoedema but also boosted her energy and strength, making her feel more confident as she returned to her everyday routine. 

4. Compression Garments 

We also talked about compression garments. These special sleeves or gloves gently apply pressure to the affected area, helping fluid move more efficiently through the lymphatic system. Sarah wasn’t thrilled at first about wearing a sleeve, but as she learned how they could help minimise the risk of lymphoedema, she started using one whenever she was more active or during high-risk times after treatment. 

Empowering Sarah to Take Control 

As weeks passed, Sarah’s confidence grew. She wasn’t just waiting to see if lymphoedema would develop; she was actively managing her health. She understood the importance of skin care, the need to avoid tight clothing, and how vital it was to listen to her body. Most importantly, she felt empowered knowing she could take steps to minimise the risk. 

Why Lymphoedema Awareness Month Matters 

Sarah’s story is just one example of how early lymphoedema therapy can make a significant difference. It’s about being proactive, not waiting for symptoms to become severe. By minimising the risk, managing early signs, and taking control of her health, Sarah was able to reduce the impact of oncology-related lymphoedema on her life. 

Lymphoedema Awareness Month is the perfect time to raise awareness and let others know that with the right care, lymphoedema doesn’t have to be a life-altering condition. Whether you’ve had cancer treatment, or you know someone who has, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Talk to a lymphoedema therapist and start taking steps to minimise the risk. 

Let’s Make a Difference Together! 

Share this post with your friends and family, and encourage them to seek help if they’ve had cancer treatment. Early action truly can make a world of difference in minimising the risk of lymphoedema. 

#LymphoedemaAwareness #CancerCare #LymphoedemaTherapy #MinimiseRiskOfLymphoedema