A team of specialist physiotherapists from University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has been recognised for significantly reducing the incidence of clinical lymphoedema in cancer patients in the Mid West.
Sinead Cobbe and Kathy Nugent are at the heart of the lymphoedema early detection service, which has been honoured at the Hospital Professional Awards 2024 by winning the MSD Excellence in Oncology Award.
Lymphoedema is a swelling that can occur in the arm, hand or torso after cancer treatments including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These treatments can compromise the lymphatic system and lead to a build-up of lymph fluid which causes pain, skin changes and reduced function. This can be very distressing and adversely affect quality of life.
Since the establishment of the UHL service in 2021, initially with the support of the Irish Cancer Society, the evidence has shown that patients can significantly reduce their risk of developing lymphoedema through prompt assessment, patient education and ongoing monitoring.
Of almost 450 patients – the majority with a diagnosis of breast cancer – referred to the service between September 2021 and January 2024, the incidence of clinical lymphoedema has reduced from an expected 25% to under 2% through the intervention and support of the UHL team. Read more – bit.ly/4h9u0Fl
