Maitland locals now have access to state-of-the-art lymphoedema screening technology at Icon Cancer Centre, which can catch the debilitating condition as early as possible.
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Lymphoedema can be a side effect of cancer treatment, and is when fluid builds up in the body's soft tissue.
Dr Kate Martin, radiation oncologist at Icon Maitland, said the first thing a patient will usually notice is swelling in the arm.
"Lymphoedema is increased fluid within the tissue, and it's often due to treatment of the lymph nodes in surgery, and or radiotherapy," Dr Martin said.
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Icon Maitland started offering their lymphoedema screening service in March, 2022, which gives patients and the public free access to a SOZO machine.
The SOZO machine detects the earliest changes of cancer-related lymphoedema.
Local patients get an initial screening before they begin treatment to identify their risk of developing the condition as well as follow-up monitoring.
Dr Martin said the machine measures the amount of fluid in the tissue, so early signs of lymphoedema can be picked up and then treated.
"We have a lymphoedema expert at the Maitland Private Hospital, and we refer patients early to her for aggressive management," she said.
"It's for all the patients having treatment here and patients who are having treatment in other areas can come here as well rather than travelling to Newcastle."
One of Icon Maitland's patients, Marianne Wood, was one of the first to use the SOZO machine.
"It was easy, you stand on it, put your hands on it and it does the rest," she said.
Ms Wood said it's great to have the service so close to home.
"If you're not feeling 100 per cent from chemo, the last thing you want to do is go on the highway [to Newcastle], you just want to get in and get out," she said.
If undetected and untreated, lymphoedema can cause reduced mobility, chronic discomfort and pain, skin changes and increased risk of infection.
Dr Martin said every day activities like moving arms or legs can be a struggle when living with lymphoedema.
"Lymphoedema is a debilitating side effect that has a significant impact on many of our patients' quality of life," she said.
"If lymphoedema is caught early through screening it can be managed with simple measures,
"If you have lived with cancer and are at all concerned about developing lymphoedema, don't hesitate to get checked."
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