Patients who have surgery for breast cancer across NSW are benefiting from an innovative, patient-centred program developed by a team on the Central Coast which is detecting and preventing chronic lymphoedema.
Patients who undergo surgery for breast cancer and have their lymph nodes removed are at heightened risk of developing chronic lymphoedema, a condition which involves painful swelling of the limbs and trunk and requires lifelong treatment.
A team of physiotherapists at Central Coast Local Health District saw an opportunity to prevent or halt the progression of lymphoedema through early detection. The program enrols patients at the time of their cancer diagnosis and provides ongoing monitoring, education, and intervention throughout their cancer treatment and for up to two years after surgery.
Traditionally up to 30 per cent of patients will develop lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery however under this new model of care, CCLHD reduced chronic lymphoedema to less than five per cent of enrolled patients, paving the way for the program to be rolled out across NSW.
The program is available at 32 clinical sites across 13 local health districts in NSW. Since 2021, more than 6,500 patients have been part of the program. Evidence shows it has successfully prevented chronic lymphoedema in more than 700 patients, with only four per cent developing the condition.
As well as delivering life-changing benefits for patients, an economic evaluation of the program showed for every dollar invested in the prevention program, approximately $8 were saved in treatment costs for patients who would otherwise have developed chronic lymphoedema.
The program is funded through the Commonwealth Government's Lymphoedema Garments and Allied Health Therapy Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:
“This proactive, early intervention program is a wonderful example of patient-centred care and it's great to see a project so successful at a local level, developed and rolled out and benefiting patients right across NSW.
“This is the first time an early monitoring and lymphoedema prevention program has been implemented on this scale anywhere in the world.
“It's really important on World Cancer Day to recognise this fantastic work, which is having a really positive impact on the lives of people who have been treated for breast cancer."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:
“This world leading early intervention program highlights the life changing work being done by healthcare professionals on the Central Coast.
“We have already seen how effective this program has been in detection and prevention, with statistics showing the number of patients developing chronic lymphoedema has reduced.
“This World Cancer Day it is important that we recognise the important work that is having a direct impact in our community."
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government's Lymphoedema Garments and Allied Health Therapy Program is empowering this life-saving work in our community.
“A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life.
“Earlier intervention better supports patients to properly understand their diagnosis and prepare for their journey ahead.
“I'm pleased this program is delivering better outcomes for patients on the Central Coast."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:
“It is fantastic to see world leading intervention programs taking place right here on the Central Coast and then being rolled out across NSW.
“Our local health professionals are outstanding and I commend them on their work developing this program.
“I look forward to this program continuing to support patients across the Central Coast."
Quotes attributable to Central Coast Local Health District Senior Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Practitioner, Courtney Clapham:
“In the past, many patients had no knowledge of lymphoedema until they were told they had it.
“Our patients are supported and well-informed, with the program giving them the chance to take some control of their cancer journey and health outcomes going forward.
“I'm so proud that the program has not only improved outcomes for our patients here on the Central Coast, but across NSW."
Quotes attributable to Central Coast Local Health District patient Christine Walker:
“Learning you have a cancer diagnosis is an anxiety-fuelled time, so when I learnt that I was at risk of developing lymphoedema after my surgery, I was extremely worried.
“I had an amazing experience with the early intervention program. My treatment is personalised, I have regular check ins and I have exercises to do at home. I believe the more information you have, the better, it means that I know what's next and how to deal with it. For me, the program has been very reassuring."