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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