Posted on June 30, 2016

Lymphedema, which is the swelling of extremities when lymph nodes are removed or damaged, is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment. Although there is no cure for this debilitating side effect, there are effective treatments. Unfortunately Medicare and other insurance companies don’t currently cover the costs of these treatments, leaving patients who can’t afford them to suffer with this debilitating condition. But advocates are working to change this.

This webinar, featuring Heather Ferguson, Founder & Executive Director of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group, focused on describing the condition of lymphedema and its impact on women with breast cancer, the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which would change Medicare law to cover treatment for lymphedema, and what you can do to make sure good and effective lymphedema treatment is available to every woman who needs it.

Women shouldn’t have to suffer from recurrent infections, progressive degradation in their condition and eventual disability because they cannot afford the compression supplies required to treat their condition. All women, regardless of their financial situation, deserve access to comprehensive lymphedema treatment to prevent the long-term physical, psychological and social problems caused by untreated lymphedema.