Lymphedema Community Screening and Education Program

Funded by grant from Bank of America, the program will begin with an educational seminar on lymphedema and the resources available for treatment. That will be followed by screenings conducted by center therapists for those who believe they may have the condition or are at risk of developing lymphedema.

Individuals who should attend are those who:

• are currently being treated for / or are in remission from cancer;
• received radiation or chemotherapy as part of your treatment;
• had a melanoma surgically removed;
• had any procedure involving a lymph node removal.

Lymphedema is a discomforting and sometimes painful condition that occurs when drainage in the lymph system is impaired.  This causes swelling and may lead to infections.  A sizable number of people develop lymphedema after lymph nodes are removed because of cancer surgery, or after radiation treatments – which can scar or destroy the lymph vessels. 

At Mather Hospital's Lymphedema Treatment Center the therapists work with the patient's physician to design a program with a treatment approach that helps patients manage their lymphedema.  Special massage techniques, compression bandaging and exercise are some of the methods used to treat lymphedema.  Although lymphedema is a life-long condition, it can be effectively managed and symptoms significantly reduced through proper care, interventional treatment and continued follow-up.

Registration for the program is required.