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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-03-08 Daily Xml
Contents
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Motions

Lymphoedema

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (16:11): I move:

That this council—

1. Recognises that 6 March 2023 is World Lymphoedema Day;

2. Notes that the message of World Lymphoedema Day 2023 is 'Lymphoedema: what we want you to know';

3. Acknowledges that lymphoedema is a chronic condition, which can often go undiagnosed and untreated; and

4. Expresses its support for people living with lymphoedema and the many organisations working to ensure that people with lymphoedema get the information, treatment and support they need to live well.

Monday this week marked World Lymphoedema Day, a day aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of lymphoedema worldwide. As well as this date, the month of March is recognised in Australia as Lymphoedema Month. So what is lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is a chronic inflammatory condition in which part of the lymphatic drainage system fails to work effectively. It can affect anyone at any age and, while there are treatments, there is no cure.

Lymphoedema results in significant swelling and fluid build-up that can have serious consequences. It can be difficult to move and lymphoedema can cause significant discomfort and pain. Unfortunately, the consequences of lymphoedema can be that it is difficult to be active and mobile, and yet this can be a bit of a catch 22, as staying active is one of the ways in which lymphoedema can be treated.

Lymphoedema can be either primary or secondary. Primary lymphoedema means there exists an abnormality of the lymphatic system that has been present from birth. However, in some people difficulties with the lymphatic system do not express themselves until later in life or following a traumatic event.

Secondary lymphoedema is caused when delicate lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes are damaged or destroyed. There are many causes of secondary lymphoedema, but one of the most common causes is as a result of surgery or treatment that removes or damages areas where there are a lot of lymph nodes.

Cancer is one of the most evil diseases and, even for survivors, one of the lifelong consequences can be the onset of lymphoedema. It is estimated that 20 per cent of survivors from breast, gynaecological or prostate cancer or melanoma are likely to experience secondary lymphoedema. Lymphoedema can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, causing discomfort, pain and limited mobility.

A variety of psychosocial issues may arise following a diagnosis of lymphoedema. These range from adjusting to a chronic illness to dealing with the day-to-day demands of self-management. This can have a serious impact on body image and quality of life, and depression and anxiety may result when there is a lack of support.

Whilst estimates of the incidence of lymphoedema vary and lymphoedema statistics are often not comprehensively recorded, conservatively it is estimated that there are approximately 70,000 Australians living with lymphoedema, but the actual figure is likely much higher. What we do know is that the earlier lymphoedema is diagnosed, the better the outcomes are, but unfortunately many people do not have their lymphoedema diagnosed for some time, which can lead to the condition becoming quite advanced as well as having increased infections and other complications as a result.

With early diagnosis, assessment, intervention and treatment, this chronic condition can be more easily managed and the quality of life improved. Lymphoedema is best treated through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach administered by qualified lymphoedema therapists. Treatment usually consists of education, skincare, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy.

South Australia is fortunate to have some of Australia's leading experts in lymphoedema practising from the Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit and the lymphoedema clinic at the Flinders Medical Centre. The current clinical trials being undertaken at the Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit include the efficacy of machine-delivered massage and a possible medication to help control lymphoedema. I sincerely commend the Flinders University practitioners for their work and efforts in supporting the South Australian lymphoedema community.

I am also grateful to Monique Bareham and the Lymphoedema Association of South Australia for bringing lymphoedema to my attention and for their continuing advocacy in this area. Monique in particular is a leading voice in the South Australian lymphoedema community and was recognised as the 2022 South Australian Local Hero for her work successfully lobbying the government to implement a compression garment subsidy.

Monique was diagnosed with lymphoedema after being treated for cancer. Finding that there were limited support options available, she has dedicated her life to supporting cancer survivors and those diagnosed with lymphoedema. Her work is commendable and anyone who has met her knows that she is a force for good. She does this without financial support and all from the goodness of her heart. Her work in delivering government subsidies for medical garments was an important first step, as what might look like a simple compression bandage is in fact a bespoke individualised garment that costs many hundreds of dollars and generally will only last six months.

Her next goals are to see better recognition of lymphoedema and the collection of statistics to better understand its prevalence, as well as a nation-leading framework for a model of care. With Monique's advocacy and leading research from Flinders University, there is no reason why South Australia cannot lead the way. When receiving the Local Hero Award, Monique said that her ultimate vision is for positive health outcomes for every single person living with lymphoedema, or at risk of lymphoedema, in South Australia. This is a notion that I believe everyone in this chamber can support. I commend the motion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. N.J. Centofanti.

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