Lymphoedema handbook launched
17 March 2002
Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2002 (17-23 March) has been organised by the Lymphoedema Association of Victoria, a consumer support group, to draw attention to the need for early detection and effective treatment of lymphoedema, a swelling of the arms and legs due to a broken or ineffective lymphatic system.
Lymphoedema is a serious, incurable condition that affects more than 300,000 Australian men, women and children. One in 6000 children are born with it, and many others acquire it through surgery — breast cancer surgery is one common cause.
An extreme example of
untreated lymphoedema,
known medically as elephantiasis
or colloquially as elephantitis.
If caught early and treated,
lymphoedema patients should be
able to lead active, healthy lives.
Dragon Boat Races
Lymphoedema Awareness Week kicks off on 17 March with the Breast Cancer Network’s ‘Dragons Abreast’ teams contesting the Dragon Boat Races on the Yarra in the Melbourne Dragon Boat Festival.
The Lymphoedema Handbook
Wednesday 20 March sees the launch of Australia’s first comprehensive handbook on lymphoedema. The Lymphoedema Handbook: Causes, Effects & Management is the result of 2 years’ work by health professionals and volunteers.
The book is written by 12 experts from across the medical profession and gives expert and up-to-date information on topics such as skin care and exercise options for lymphoedema patients. Simple language is used to explain the lymphatic system, how and why lymphoedema occurs and learning to live with lymphoedema.
‘Lymphoedema is a serious condition if it is not caught and treated properly,’ said Maree O’Connor, physiotherapist and one of the book’s 2 main authors. ‘In its extreme form known as elephantitis it can make people immobile.’
The Lymphoedema Handbook will be available in Australian bookstores from mid-April (retail price $19.95). Copies are also available by mail order through The Lymphoedema Association of Victoria, telephone: 1300 852 850.
Public seminar
A public seminar on lymphoedema is being held in Victoria on 23 March, where medical professionals and supporters will promote a better understanding of the lymphatic system and how to manage and treat lymphoedema. Speaking at the seminar will be Dr Mark Malouf, a vascular surgeon, and Mrs Rosalind Deakin, a physiotherapist.
‘We invite all supporters, patients and other members of the public to the seminar to learn about the condition, how the lymphatic system works, and how to treat and manage lymphoedema,’ said co-author of The Lymphoedema Handbook Ms Maree O’Connor.
For further details: telephone 1300 852 850; email info@lav.org.au; or look up the web site at http://www.lav.org.au.
For further information about these events or about lymphoedema, contact the Lymphoedema Association of Victoria:
- email: info@lav.org.au
- web site: www.lav.org.au
Last Reviewed: 14 March 2002
