March 6 marks the official awareness day around one of the least understood but most commonly faced conditions among cancer patients—Lymphedema. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, you’re not alone. Essentially, Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymph system is blocked or impeded, which results in the build up of fluid in the body’s soft tissue. This fluid buildup results in swelling–usually in the arms and legs–which is the most common symptom of Lymphedema. Lymphedema can be genetic, but it is often caused as a result of some cancers and their respective treatments. In regards to the latter, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), “Lymphedema is one of the most poorly understood, relatively underestimated, and least researched complications of cancer or its treatment.”
Because of the relatively high frequency of Lymphedema among cancer patients and its implications for potential decline in patients’ quality of life, Lymphedema is a condition that clinicians and survivorship programs have begun to place a larger emphasis on. In the spirit of raising awareness around Lymphedema and helping those who suffer from it and the family members supporting them better understand it, Lymphedema therapist, Stephanie Kirkpatrick, of the Winship Cancer Institute will be holding an online chat on the topic of Lymphedema on “D” Day*.
Stephanie will cover Lymphedema causes, types, treatments, and coping strategies and answer questions from participants during the chat, which takes place on Tuesday, March 6 at noon EST.
*UPDATE: View the Lymphedema chat transcript.