HKCF Women Support Centre debuts video for lymphatic care and offers complementary services for patients suffering from lymphoedema after breast and gynecological cancer treatment

June 9, 2020 (Hong Kong) – Breast cancer, uterine cancer and cervical cancer are among the 10 most common cancers for women in Hong Kong with about 6,600 newly diagnosed cases every year*. During cancer treatment, lymph nodes may be removed or the lymphatic system may be damaged, resulting in excess of lymph fluids, lymphoedema and the swelling of limbs, severely affecting the patient’s appearance and social life. These symptoms may surface within months or years after treatment. Though a cure has yet to be found, proper daily maintenance can alleviate the symptoms. To address these very issues, the Zonta Club of Kowloon has sponsored the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s new video series for Lymphoedema Care, available in Cantonese and Mandarin versions with English subtitles. The video aims to educate the public on the lymphatic system as well as on prevention and care for lymphoedema.

*Source: Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry 2019 (2017 Data)

These Lymphoedema Care videos were made with the help of breast surgery consultants, registered physiotherapists, accredited therapists for lymphoedema and the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s professional nursing team. Topics include “What is the lymphatic system,” “Reasons for lymphoedema and its symptoms,” “Prevention and daily maintenance,” “Lymphatic massage” and “Lymphatic draining exercises.” The Lymphoedema Care video is live on the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s website (www.cancer-fund.org/cancer-videos). Patients can also call our Helpline at 3656-0800 for a free DVD copy (only available in Cantonese).

During treatment, lymph nodes might be removed or the lymphatic system may be damaged, resulting in excess of lymph fluids, lymphoedema and the swelling of limbs. The right arm in the picture is in a swollen state.

Meeting the Unmet Needs of Patients with Female Cancers

On 6 June, 2020, the Hong Kong Cancer Fund hosted its launch ceremony at its Women Support Centre to show its appreciation for Zonta Club of Kowloon’s sponsorship of the new Lymphoedema Care videos. “The Zonta Club of Kowloon hopes to improve the well-being of all women,” they said in a statement. “Due to the rising number of women with gynaecological cancer in recent years, we’ve partnered with the Hong Kong Cancer Fund since 2017 to produce educational videos to help alleviate the symptoms of breast cancer patients with lymphoedema, and as such, improve their wellbeing and speed of recovery so they can resume life as normal again.”

Located at The Center, 99 Queen’s Road in Central, the Hong Kong Cancer Fund Women Support Centre has a seasoned team including oncology nurses, clinical psychologists, social workers, art therapist and dietitians, all ready to offer complementary services for those suffering from breast and gynaecological cancers. The team provides professional assessment, lymphoedema prevention, aftercare consultation, monitoring during treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support. All services are FREE.  For more details, contact our Helpline at 3656-0800.

About Hong Kong Cancer Fund

As Hong Kong’s largest cancer support organisation, the Hong Kong Cancer Fund provides free information and professional support services to anyone living with or affected by cancer. Hong Kong Cancer Fund aims to reduce the impact of cancer, increase cancer awareness and ensure that no one faces cancer alone. Founded in 1987, our work encompasses professional, psychological and social care services, home care, peer support, funding of hospital equipment and local cancer research, public education, and much more, filling the gaps in cancer care. Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s services are all FREE. Receiving no money from the government or the Community Chest, we rely solely on public generosity to sustain our ongoing cancer support services. For more information, please visit www.cancer-fund.org.

Designed for female patients suffering from breast and gynaecological cancers, Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s Lymphoedema Care video series includes topics such as, “What is the lymphatic system”, “Reasons for lymphoedema and its symptoms”, “Prevention and daily maintenance”, “Lymphatic massage” and “Lymphatic draining exercises”.

Zonta Club of Kowloon Vice President Ms Lolita Ng and Chairman of Social Services Committee Ms Irene Ho present a cheque to Hong Kong Cancer Fund Founder & Chief Executive Ms Sally Lo and Head of Service Ms Iris Chan for producing a series of videos on lymphedema care for patients suffering from breast and gynaecological cancers.

Hong Kong Cancer Fund Women Support Centre offers free services to female patients suffering from breast and gynaecological cancers and their families.