NSW rollout for intervention program developed on Central Coast

Patients who have surgery for breast cancer across NSW are benefiting from an innovative, patient-centred program developed by a team on the Central Coast which is detecting and preventing chronic lymphoedema.

Patients who undergo surgery for breast cancer and have their lymph nodes removed are at heightened risk of developing chronic lymphoedema, a condition which involves painful swelling of the limbs and trunk and requires lifelong treatment.

A team of physiotherapists at Central Coast Local Health District saw an opportunity to prevent or halt the progression of lymphoedema through early detection.

The program enrols patients at the time of their cancer diagnosis and provides ongoing monitoring, education, and intervention throughout their cancer treatment and for up to two years after surgery.

Traditionally up to 30% of patients will develop lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery, however, under this new model of care, CCLHD reduced chronic lymphoedema to less than 5% of enrolled patients, paving the way for the program to be rolled out across NSW.

The program is available at 32 clinical sites across 13 local health districts in NSW.

Since 2021, more than 6,500 patients have been part of the program.

Evidence shows it has successfully prevented chronic lymphoedema in more than 700 patients, with only 4% developing the condition.

As well as delivering life-changing benefits for patients, an economic evaluation of the program showed for every dollar invested in the prevention program, approximately $8 was saved in treatment costs for patients who would otherwise have developed chronic lymphoedema.

The program is funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Lymphoedema Garments and Allied Health Therapy Program.

Central Coast patient Christine Walker said learning about a cancer diagnosis was an anxiety-fuelled time.

“When I learnt that I was at risk of developing lymphoedema after my surgery, I was extremely worried,” she said.

“I had an amazing experience with the early intervention program.

“My treatment is personalised; I have regular check-ins, and I have exercises to do at home.

“I believe the more information you have the better, it means that I know what’s next and how to deal with it.

“For me, the program has been very reassuring.”

Central Coast Local Health District Senior Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Practitioner, Courtney Clapham, said that in the past many patients had no knowledge of lymphoedema until they were told they had it.

“Our patients are supported and well-informed, with the program giving them the chance to take some control of their cancer journey and health outcomes going forward,” she said.

“I’m so proud that the program has not only improved outcomes for our patients here on the Central Coast, but across NSW.”

Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said this world leading early intervention program highlighted the life-changing work being done by healthcare professionals on the Central Coast.

“We have already seen how effective this program has been in detection and prevention, with statistics showing the number of patients developing chronic lymphoedema has reduced.

“This World Cancer Day it is important that we recognise the important work that is having a direct impact in our community.”