Charlotte Varcoe
A NON-PARTISAN forum for parliamentarians to discuss and raise awareness of lymphoedema will be launched today.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Friends of Lymphoedema committee, launched March 20, aims to provide a space for lymphoedema experts, stakeholder organisations, health policy makers and consumers to come together and drive improvements in health outcomes of Australians affected by the condition.
Lymphoedema is known as a long-term condition where a build-up of lymph fluid in the body’s soft tissues causes swelling and can occur anywhere in the body.
It is typically found in the arms and legs and although the condition can not be cured, it can be managed.
The more common lymphoedema – secondary lymphoedema – can be caused after surgery related to cancer, radiotherapy, trauma or tissue damage, cancer or obesity.
Mount Gambier Lymphoedema Ladies member Dulcie Hoggan welcomed the committee.
“This is such a good thing to happen because it is formed to review their points and hopefully by having a group at federal level we can push it forward,” she said.
“I hope the group will make changes such as providing more funding for lymphedema and provide more positive outcomes by helping people be aware of what the health issues can be helped with such as pumps or compression garments.”
She said she would also love to see more positive advocacy for the condition which was not easy to live with.
“I have been positive we can make things easier for each other and support each other more,” she said.
“We would also love for more things to be subsidised including treatments when you go see a specialist in the private system.”
