Local breast cancer patients will benefit from the early monitoring and detection of cancer-related lymphoedema, after a SOZO machine was generously donated to The Bays Hospital.
Around 20% of breast cancer patients develop chronic lymphoedema of the arm after surgery or radiation therapy, which can require costly ongoing physical therapy to relieve symptoms.
Lymphoedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic system isn’t working properly and fluid begins to leak into body tissue, causing painful swelling, discomfort, skin tightness and itching.
Thanks to more than 10 years of collective fundraising efforts by individual breast cancer patients and the Breast Intentions Cancer Support Group – raising a huge $20,000 – all local breast cancer patients can now easily detect their lymphoedema risk.
Recent research shows that early detection combined with standard compression therapy can reduce the progression of lymphoedema by 95 per cent.
The SOZO machine offers patients a non-invasive 30 second test that can detect fluid changes as small as 2.4 tablespoons.
“This machine is so important for anyone before surgery to get a baseline reading for post-surgery lymphoedema risk. In a time when you have so many appointments, doctors and stress, having this reading will make life easier down the track,” said Julie Bennett, one of the wonderful fundraisers.
Our skilled McGrath Breast Care Nurses – who provide a free support service to all local breast cancer patients – are now routinely using the SOZO during consultations.