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Speaking on World Lymphedema Day and the need to cover the treatment for all causes of lymphedema

March 4 I had the opportunity to speak on World Lymphedema Day in response to a Ministerial statement on this subject.

World Lymphedema Day

Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, World Lymphedema Day is an important day and one that recognizes a significant health condition.

      The lymphatic system complements the arteries and veins of our circulatory system. Arteries take blood from the heart to the tissues. Veins return the blood from the tissues to the heart. In the normal course of events, some fluid leaks out of the capillaries which link arteries and veins. This fluid gets into the tissues, and the leaked fluid is returned to the heart through the lymphatic vessels, passing through lymph nodes along the way.

      When the lymphatic system is not functioning for one reason or another, fluid builds up in the tissues and produces, as an example, a swollen arm or a swollen leg.   A common situation where lymphedema occurs is after breast cancer. Lymphedema occurs, in this case, in the arm, and it's usually the result of either surgical removal or radiation treatment of the lymph nodes in the axilla.

      Lymphedema, while it is not yet possible to cure it, can be treated. Treatment of lymphedema following breast cancer is covered under medicare. Sadly, treatment of lymphedema following other cancers or under other circumstances is not covered.

      I hope that the Minister of Health (Ms. Gordon) will announce today, on World Lymphedema Day, that she is extending the coverage under medicare to all forms of lymphedema. It's essential. It decreases the risk of infections which are common when lymphedema is left untreated.

      It was a sad day when the development of lymph­e­dema after other cancers was not covered under medicare, and it has been a sad day every since for those who suffer from lymphedema due to other cancers or other conditions.

      Thank you. Merci. Miigwech.

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