Local trust funds Lymphedema analysis machine

Nelson Regional Breast Cancer Trust

MEDIA RELEASE

June 2nd, 2013

www.nrbct.co.nz

Local trust funds Lymphedema analysis machine.

The Nelson Regional Breast Cancer Trust this week hands over a state of the art L-Dex U400 machine, worth over $17,000, to the physiotherapy department at Nelson Hospital. The machine is used to monitor early detection of lymphedema. This bioelectrical impedance analyzer utilises impedance ratios that supports the measurement of extra cellular fluid volume differences between the arms to aid in the clinical assessment of unilateral lymphedema of the arm.

Lymphedema is frequently seen after lymph node dissection, surgery and/or radiation therapy, in which damage to the lymphatic system is caused during the treatment of breast cancer.

Yvonne Ferguson, physiotherapist, explains that “early detection and management of sub-clinical lymphedema can reduce the long term physical, functional and psychological effects caused by a later diagnosis and delayed management of the condition”.

Funds to purchase the machine were primarily raised at the trust’s Boot Camp for Breast Cancer, held in October 2012. Trustee, Kate Coote, says, “we couldn’t have purchased this machine without the support of our corporate sponsors and all the people who came along to take part in BC4BC”, she continues, “the trust hopes to raise further funds for future initiatives at this years Boot Camp on 19th October, 2013”.

The machine will be handed over at Nelson Hospital, Physiotherapy Department on Friday 5th July at 10.00 a.m., photography welcomed.

ENDS

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