An estimated 450,000 people are living with lymphoedema in the UK today with an estimated 250 million sufferers worldwide. At least one in five women treated for breast cancer are affected by lymphoedema. However, a UK medical first is expected to reduce breast cancer related lymphoedema by 4% to 8% worldwide with preventative treatment.
Two new UK studies, recently presented to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons’ (BAPRAS) Scientific Meeting are set to relieve the pain and misery for millions of sufferers worldwide.2
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where patients experience potentially lifelong swelling of arms or legs. It can affect patients of any age and is incredibly common, more than the combined number of people with Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, HIV and Parkinson’s Disease.3
Of the many causes of secondary lymphoedema (that develops as an adult), the most common cause in the UK is after any surgery or treatment (such as radiotherapy) that removes a large number of lymph nodes to treat cancer. This may include cancers of the breast, pelvis, skin cancers, head, and neck cancers to name just a few.
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