Suche
Mein Konto
Lymphedema after breast cancer: triple the burden for those affected!
Lymphoedema after breast cancer affects many women. Find out why better recognition and care is required.
Lymphedema after breast cancer: triple the burden for those affected!
As part of the annual “October Rose”, an important breast cancer awareness campaign, this year special attention will be paid to the often overlooked but serious problem of lymphedema. Loud Le Figaro Santé Lymphedema is an incurable disease that affects around one in five women after breast cancer. This disease causes thickening of the skin and an increase in volume of the affected limbs, which causes not only physical but also psychological and social stress for those affected.
Lymphedema is often caused by medical procedures such as the removal of lymph nodes or radiotherapy, which can damage the lymphatic vessels. Affected women often have to bear the financial costs of lifelong treatment themselves, as lymphedema is not recognized as an independent complication of breast cancer treatment. New legislation from January 28, 2025 to improve follow-up care after breast cancer has completely excluded lymphedema, which is perceived by the public as inadequate.
Increase in diseases and new treatment options
The treatment of lymphedema cannot be dismissed out of hand. In addition to conventional compression devices, innovative therapeutic approaches are increasingly being used. Advances such as intelligent pneumatic compression systems and topical tacrolimus can be expected in 2024. Le Medecin reports that many patients can benefit from complex decongestion therapy that includes manual lymphatic drainage and targeted exercises.
The path to healing
However, the challenge is often to detect lymphedema early. Initial symptoms are often subtle signs such as a tight ring or the pressure of a shirt, followed by gradual swelling of the arm. The key to successful treatment lies in early diagnosis and regular therapy: with timely treatment, stability or even improvement in the condition can be achieved in up to 80 percent of cases.
Staying active is also important; Sports such as swimming or cycling are beneficial, while contact sports should be avoided. In case of sudden swelling, redness or fever, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately to avoid serious health problems.
Given these facts, there are renewed calls for lymphedema to be officially recognized and for improved care and integrated treatment pathways to be created. Dr. Stéphane Vignes, Head of the Lymphology Department at Cognacq-Jay Hospital and President of the Société Française de Lymphologie, champions these concerns and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of the issue as part of “October Rose”. While the fall month focuses on breast cancer, the challenges associated with it, such as lymphedema, must not be pushed into the background.