Access to treatment for breast cancer-related lymphoedema in Australia

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to describe availability of treatment for lymphoedema in Australia to enable physicians to manage patients with lymphoedema.

Methods: A validated questionnaire was sent to the Review and Survey Group of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia in May 2010 (n = 760) to investigate consumers' perspectives on treatment access.

Results: Responses were received from 444 women (58%) of whom 140 had received lymphoedema treatment in the previous 5 years. Barriers were encountered by 33% (n = 46). These barriers included access to a lymphoedema therapist (n = 34), treatment affordability (n = 27), need to travel to access treatment (n = 21) and not knowing where to find help (n = 20).

Discussion: One-third of this group of women had difficulty accessing treatment to halt this potentially progressive condition. The general practitioner has an important role in detecting this condition, and advising where treatment can be accessed and which schemes might assist financially.