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.
Preventing 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.
You CAN take control of your survivorship.
GET TESTED
Lymphedema Basics
Cancer-related lymphedema is a condition that can result from treatments for some cancers including:
- Breast cancer
- Melanoma
- Pelvic area cancers
1 in 3 at-risk cancer patients will develop lymphedema1-3
resulting from their cancer treatment:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- 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.
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.
Early Detection & Treatment
The opportunity to prevent lymphedema is before noticeable swelling exists.
Early Lymphedema
Simple at-home treatment:
Compression
Stretching
Self massage
Chronic Lymphedema
Complex treatment:
Decongestive physiotherapy
Mechanical pumps
Hospitalizations & Antibiotics
Surgery
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.
A Simple 30 Second Test
The SOZO® Digital Health Platform 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.
Steps for SOZO test
1) Remove shoes and socks
2) Place hands and feet on SOZO sensors
3) Stay still during the 30-second test
4) L-Dex score available immediately after test
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 with Your L-Dex Score
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.
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?
Cancer-related lymphedema is a condition that can be caused by 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 Lymphedema Community Resource page to learn more.
References
- American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures, 2019. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2019/cancer-facts-and-figures-2019.pdf.
- Shaitelman SF, et al. Recent Progress in the Treatment and Prevention of Cancer-Related Lymphedema. CA Cancer J Clin. 2015;00:00–00.
- Brown JC,et al. The Prevalence of Lymphedema Symptoms among Long-Term Cancer Survivors with or at-risk for Lower Limb Lymphedema. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 March; 92(3): 223–231. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0b013e31826edd97.