Constant Reminder? Living with Lymphoedema

It is estimated that at least one in five patients who undergo surgery for breast cancer go on to develop lymphoedema in their arm. In some areas of England however, breast cancer patients who develop lymphoedema are not getting the care they need, due to inequalities in the services provided.

That's why in 2009 Breakthrough launched our Constant Reminder? Living with Lymphoedema campaign to ensure everyone who develops lymphoedema after breast cancer has access to services that can give them the best possible quality of life.

If left untreated, lymphoedema can have a significant impact on patients' mobility, quality of life and self-esteem. However, simple treatment can minimise the impact of this condition and allow patients to get on with their lives without the severe symptoms of lymphoedema acting as a constant reminder of their breast cancer experience.

In early 2010 the National Cancer Action Team (NCAT) published guidance for the treatment of patients with or at risk of lymphoedema and to ensure that these services are provided. However, we know that there are significant differences across England in the services that patients are receiving.

As we draw to the end of our campaign, we have produced a report which sets out the changes we believe are needed across the NHS to deliver services that meet patients' needs. We know the NHS is going through dramatic changes right now, but lymphoedema services have been "cinderella" services for too long already. People across England should all have access to an equally good standard of care and know that if lymphoedema does develop following treatment for breast cancer then the NHS will be able to provide the support and care they need.

Take action in your local area to ensure everyone who develops lymphoedema after breast cancer, has access to the services they need.

Download a copy of our campaign toolkit (327 kb)