Lymphedema Awareness Month
Together, We Can End Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Lymphedema can’t ruin my survivorship if I detect it early

You can take control of your survivorship with simple, early lymphedema detection – before it becomes chronic.

How has lymphedema impacted your cancer journey and survivorship?
Patient Voices
I have been fighting cancer for over 25 years now and developing secondary lymphedema has by far been the worst part.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
LE has been far worse than the cancer, surgery, radiation and chemo combined.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
I have been in cancer remission for over 10 years but I currently spend about 3 hours per day managing my lymphedema and wear compression 24/7.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
Surviving with hand and arm lymphedema after breast cancer makes me second guess what I can and can't do on a daily basis.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study

Lymphedema Basics

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a devastating side effect of breast cancer treatment.

1 in 5 breast cancer survivors will be impacted by arm lymphedema resulting from their cancer treatment1:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Taxane-based chemotherapy

If lymphedema is left untreated:

  • It can cause painful swelling
  • It can lead to infection
  • It can become a life-long condition

The lymphatic system runs like a super highway in your body. Certain cancer treatments damage and block the lymphatic system. Lymphedema occurs when fluid builds up due to a block in the lymphatic system.

Lymphatic System

Lymphedema can’t stop me from caring for my family, if I detect it early.

You can take control of your survivorship with simple, early lymphedema detection – before it becomes chronic.

Get Tested

Do you feel lymphedema has impacted your quality of life?
Patient Voices
Lymphedema has changed my life. Most of my daily decisions are dictated by whether or not it will negatively impact my lymphedema.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
Yes, it has changed the clothes I wear, what I cook, how I wear my hair and how I interact at certain public events.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study

Early Detection & Treatment

The opportunity to prevent lymphedema is before noticeable swelling exists.

Early Detection and Treatment Graphic

Lymphedema can’t
take my freedom of movement, if I detect it early

You can take control of your survivorship with simple, early lymphedema detection – before it becomes chronic.

Get Tested

What is the #1 activity you wish you could do, but can no longer?
Patient Voices
Play volleyball.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
When I have to write I have to accept that there will be pain involved.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
Stretch and exercise due to pain.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study

A Simple 30 Second Test

The SOZO® device is used to measure your L-Dex® score. It looks like a scale, but it has places for you to put your hands and feet. You will not feel the SOZO test and it only takes 30 seconds to complete. Your cancer care team uses your L-Dex score to help determine whether you have early lymphedema. If early lymphedema is identified, they will provide you with a personal treatment plan.

  • Remove shoes and socks
  • Place hands and feet on SOZO sensors
  • Stay still during the 30-second test
  • L-Dex score available immediately after test

Learn More about L-Dex

SOZO Digital Health Platform

Lymphedema can’t
sidetrack my life, if I detect it early.

You can take control of your survivorship with simple, early lymphedema detection – before it becomes chronic.

Get Tested

How has lymphedema impacted your relationship with your family and/or friends?
Patient Voices
When playing with the kids, I need to constantly be aware of my arm [compression] sleeves so they aren’t snagged or ruined.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
I cannot cook the large Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and Christmas meals.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
I am not able to cook for my children as often as I would like.
Source: 2022 ImpediMed Lymphedema Awareness Study
FIND A PROVIDER
Get Tested with Your L-Dex Score

Find a place near you to get your L-Dex score tested.

Talk to Your Cancer Care Team

Your cancer care team is there to support you through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Use these tools to talk to your cancer care team about getting tested with your L-Dex score.

TALK TO YOUR CARE TEAM

Educate & Inform

Your doctor, nurse, or therapist may not be aware of the latest technologies for early detection of lymphedema. Print this handout and take it to your next visit. Ask them what they think.

TALK TO YOUR CARE TEAM

Questions to Ask

Not sure how to start a conversation with your doctor, nurse, or therapist about lymphedema? Print these questions and ask them during your next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get L-Dex testing?

L-Dex testing is offered by healthcare professionals. To find a location near you, visit our Find a Provider page.


What if my doctor, nurse, or therapist does not offer L-Dex testing?

If your cancer care team does not offer L-Dex testing, they may still offer lymphedema management services. Not sure how to start a conversation about lymphedema? Print these questions and ask them during your next visit. Your doctor, nurse, or therapist may not be aware of the latest technologies for early detection of lymphedema. Print this handout and take it to your next visit. Ask them what they think.


Will my insurance cover the cost of an L-Dex test?

Individual insurance carriers have different policies about covering the cost of an L-Dex test. To learn more, contact your insurance carrier or ask your healthcare provider.


Why should I get tested?

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a devastating side effect of breast cancer treatment. If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to painful swelling, infection, and hospitalization. It can require lifelong management and interfere with activities like work and caring for your family. Studies show that if lymphedema is detected early, then it can be treated and prevented from getting worse. The opportunity to prevent lymphedema, is before you experience noticeable swelling. Testing with the L-Dex score is shown to detect lymphedema early.


When should I get tested?

You should get tested with your L-Dex score as soon as you know you will be treated for cancer. Testing should continue during and after treatment. This way, your cancer care team can determine whether you have early lymphedema and should be treated.


What if I already have symptoms of lymphedema?

If you already have symptoms of lymphedema, contact your cancer care team. Getting treatment as soon as possible will provide you with the best possible outcomes.


Will my insurance cover the cost of my lymphedema treatment?

Individual insurance carriers have different policies about covering the cost of lymphedema treatment. To learn more, contact your insurance carrier or ask your healthcare provider.


How do I get access to compression garments?

Your cancer care team can refer you to the best place to get compression garments to treat lymphedema. Organizations like LIVE Today Foundation offer free-of-charge compression garments to those who need them. Visit our Community page or LIVE Today Foundation to learn more.


References

  1. Gillespie TC, et al. Breast cancer-related lymphedema: risk factors, precautionary measures, and treatments. Gland Surg 2018;7(4):379-403.