Lyn’s Wish List for BC

What I am passionate about is any possibility of prevention of cancer-related lymphedema.

I would like to see BC be a leader in bringing to Canada what appears to be standard practice in Australia, New Zealand and the US cancer care. Identify cancer patients who are at high risk for developing lymphedema.

High risk patients are those whose lymph system is impacted by their cancer. Whose treatment will likely cause additional trauma on their lymphatic system. These patients should be pre-screened before treatment, especially surgery and radiation. Then followed up with during and after their treatment, monitoring for any signs of swelling.

Being a researcher by nature (I have a PhD in geology) I now spend a lot of time tracking down research literature, and video presentations by researchers, (links to which I am happy to share with anyone who is interested) on lymphedema.

It appears that there is a non-invasive screening technology, called Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS), which simply, quickly, non-invasively, and painlessly can do an assessment of the amount of extracellular fluid in your limbs and trunk, and can compare the affected with the unaffected side.

Extensive patient studies in Australia and the US have indicated that by establishing a baseline with high-risk cancer patients before their treatments, then following up during and after their treatment, BIS screening can often identify the excess fluid development in patients that is the very early stage of lymphedema. Before any swelling can even be measured by a tape measure. The research has shown that for some whose very early stage lymphedema is identified and then treated proactively, have seen their lymphedema reversed.

It doesn’t prevent all lymphedema from developing, but even if it reverses some patients’ lymphedema, it would be good to have access to this relatively low-cost, non-invasive procedure. In my opinion, it should be standard-of-care protocol in all cancer treatment centres in Canada.

I am also passionate about seeing more research into not only preventing cancer, but also more research into surgical techniques for lymph node removal, especially techniques that might lessen the probability of lymphedema developing in high-risk patients. Another surgical option is to have LVA (aka bypass) done at the time of the lymph node removal.

Why did you decide to step up and take on the position of vice president for the BCLA?

For all of the reasons listed above. And especially because if there is any way that BCLA can contribute to preventing even a few high-risk cancer patients from developing lymphedema after their treatment, I would like to see this happen.

What would you like to say for people just beginning their journey with lymphedema?

It sucks, but you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the BCLA. And if you would like to see improvements in lymphedema care in BC, we would love to have you join our small but dedicated group of passionate and outspoken members who are advocating for more support for people living with lymphatic disorders in BC.

Editor Note - Primary Lymphedema occurs in one every 100,000 births in the US. It is the result of improper development in the lymphatic system. In Canada and the US, Secondary Lymphedema from surgery or trauma to the body is the more common type of Lymphedema. The BCLA supports those dealing with Primary and Secondary.