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CANCER INFORMATION HUB

Lymphoedema During & After Cancer Treatment

Lymphoedema is a condition that can develop when the lymphatic system is affected by cancer or its treatment. It may cause swelling, heaviness, discomfort and reduced mobility in affected areas of the body.

Understanding lymphoedema and seeking support early help manage symptoms, maintain function and improve quality of life.

What Is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid within the body's tissues.

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The lymphatic system plays an important role in:

  • Fluid balance

  • Immune function

  • Removal of waste products from tissues

 

When lymphatic drainage is disrupted, fluid may accumulate and lead to swelling.

Lymphoedema most commonly affects:

  • Arms

  • Legs

  • Hands

  • Feet

 

However, it can occur in other parts of the body depending on the area treated.

Why Can Cancer Treatment Cause Lymphoedema?

Cancer treatment may affect lymphatic drainage pathways.

This is particularly common following:

Surgery

 

Some cancer surgeries involve the removal of lymph nodes.

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Examples include:

  • Breast cancer surgery

  • Gynaecological cancer surgery

  • Melanoma surgery

  • Prostate cancer surgery

Removing lymph nodes may reduce the ability of lymphatic fluid to drain normally.

Radiotherapy

 

Radiotherapy can sometimes cause scarring or changes within lymphatic tissues.

These changes may develop gradually and can contribute to lymphoedema months or even years after treatment.

Cancer Itself

 

In some situations, cancer may directly affect lymphatic drainage pathways and contribute to swelling.

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When Can Lymphoedema Develop?

Lymphoedema may develop:

  • During treatment

  • Shortly after treatment

  • Months after treatment

  • Many years after treatment

 

This delayed onset can sometimes make it difficult to recognise the connection with previous cancer treatment.

What Symptoms Can Occur?

Symptoms often develop gradually.

Many people first notice subtle changes before visible swelling appears.

Early Symptoms

 

  • Heaviness

  • Tightness

  • Fullness

  • Reduced flexibility

  • A feeling that clothing or jewellery fits differently

Swelling

 

As fluid accumulates, swelling may become more noticeable.

 

The affected area may appear:

  • Larger

  • Puffier

  • Firmer than usual

Skin Changes

 

Long-standing lymphoedema may contribute to:

  • Skin thickening

  • Skin tightness

  • Increased skin sensitivity

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Reduced Mobility

 

Swelling may affect:

  • Joint movement

  • Physical activity

  • Daily tasks

  • Exercise​

How Common Is Lymphoedema?

The risk varies depending on:

  • The type of cancer

  • The treatment received

  • The number of lymph nodes affected

  • Individual factors

 

Breast cancer survivors are among the groups most commonly affected, although lymphoedema can occur following many different cancer treatments.

Why Early Recognition Matters

One of the most important aspects of lymphoedema management is recognising symptoms early.

 

Many people initially dismiss:

  • Mild swelling

  • Heaviness

  • Tightness

as temporary changes.

 

However, addressing symptoms early often provides the greatest opportunity to:

  • Limit progression

  • Improve comfort

  • Maintain mobility

  • Support quality of life

 

For this reason, it is important to discuss new or persistent swelling with your healthcare team.

Can Lymphoedema Be Improved?

Lymphoedema is generally considered a long-term condition.

However, this does not mean that nothing can be done.

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Many individuals experience meaningful improvements in:

  • Swelling

  • Comfort

  • Mobility

  • Function

  • Quality of life

when symptoms are managed proactively.

 

Clinical experience shows that integrated supportive care and rehabilitation approaches help reduce symptom burden and support better day-to-day function.

The earlier symptoms are recognised and addressed, the greater the opportunity to minimise their impact.

Managing Lymphoedema

Management depends on the individual and the severity of symptoms.

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Approaches may include:

  • Compression garments

  • Specialised lymphoedema therapy

  • Exercise programmes

  • Skin care

  • Weight management

  • Maintaining physical activity

  • Supportive care approaches aimed at improving comfort and function

 

Treatment plans should always be developed in consultation with appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.

How Can Lymphoedema Affect Daily Life?

Lymphoedema affects more than swelling alone.

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People often report difficulties with:

  • Mobility

  • Physical activity

  • Exercise

  • Work activities

  • Clothing choices

  • Confidence

  • Body image

 

When symptoms are managed effectively, many individuals are able to maintain active and fulfilling lives.

The Emotional Impact of Lymphoedema

Because lymphoedema may persist long after cancer treatment has ended, it can sometimes feel like a continuing reminder of the cancer journey.

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People may experience:

  • Frustration

  • Anxiety

  • Reduced confidence

  • Concerns about appearance

  • Concerns about progression

 

These feelings are common and should not be overlooked.

Support involves addressing emotional wellbeing alongside physical symptoms, in an integrated way.

When Should You Seek Additional Support?

You should discuss symptoms with your healthcare team if you notice:

  • New swelling

  • Persistent heaviness

  • Tightness

  • Reduced flexibility

  • Skin changes

  • Symptoms affecting daily life

 

Seeking support early helps improve symptom control and reduces the impact on daily activities.

Many individuals seek support because they wish to maintain mobility, comfort and independence throughout recovery and survivorship.

Living Well With Lymphoedema

Although lymphoedema is often a long-term condition, many people learn to manage it successfully and continue to lead active lives.

 

Understanding the condition, recognising symptoms early and seeking appropriate support helps improve comfort, function and confidence.

For many individuals, effective management allows lymphoedema to become only one part of life rather than the defining feature of it.

Looking for Personalised Support?

Lymphoedema can affect comfort, mobility, confidence and day-to-day function long after cancer treatment has ended.

 

At Rowan Health, we regularly support individuals living with treatment-related swelling, discomfort and functional limitations associated with lymphoedema. Our personalised supportive care programmes aim to help patients maintain mobility, improve comfort and support quality of life throughout recovery and survivorship.

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Many people seek support not because lymphoedema can be completely eliminated, but because they wish to improve function, reduce symptom burden and remain active and independent.

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Learn how our personalised supportive care programmes help patients navigate recovery, survivorship and life beyond cancer.

About this information

This article has been prepared by Julien Baron-Meyet, Consultant in Integrative & Supportive Care, with over 20 years' clinical experience supporting people living with cancer and complex health conditions.

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The information on this page is intended for education and should complement—not replace—the advice of your healthcare team.

READY TO TALK ?

Take the first step

If you would like to discuss supportive care during treatment or recovery, Rowan Health offers personalised consultations designed around your diagnosis, treatment pathway, symptoms and recovery goals.

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