Lymphoedema is a challenging complication of cancer surgery or radiation therapy and is called secondary lymphoedema (lymphoedema occurring at birth due to dysphasia is called primary oedema).
It is a common side effect of treatment for women’s cancers, especially breast cancer and is the accumulation of fluid due to inactive or damaged lymph glands.
Lymphoedema causes swelling of a body part and usually occurs in the arms or legs, but can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen or genitals. Read more: Lymphoedema Fact Sheet.
Lymphoedema garments are made available through CANSA’s partnership with M-Store.
For lymphoedema therapy, please view the Lymphoedema Association of SA (LOASA) website to find a therapist near you, or message your query on the LOASA Facebook Page.
Lymphoedema Garment Referrals:
| Province or Region | Contact Person | Email Address |
| Eastern Cape | Dorothy du Plooy | dduplooy@cansa.org.za |
| Free State | Dorothy du Plooy | dduplooy@cansa.org.za |
| Gauteng | Olivia Curlewis | ocurlewis@cansa.org.za |
| KZN | Olivia Curlewis | ocurlewis@cansa.org.za |
| Limpopo | Olivia Curlewis | ocurlewis@cansa.org.za |
| Mpumalanga | Olivia Curlewis | ocurlewis@cansa.org.za |
| North West | Olivia Curlewis | ocurlewis@cansa.org.za |
| Northern Cape | Dorothy du Plooy | dduplooy@cansa.org.za |
| Southern Cape / Klein Karoo | Dorothy du Plooy | dduplooy@cansa.org.za |
| Western Cape | Dorothy du Plooy | dduplooy@cansa.org.za |
About M Store
The M Store is a group of orthotic & prosthetic practices that specialise in fitting & supplying breast prostheses, garments & brassiere after breast surgery.
The practices provide a boutique style environment where women are consulted and fitted with suitable prostheses, brassieres or garments by internationally certified mastectomy fitters.
The M Store group further stocks the largest range of breast prostheses & bras in South Africa to ensure that women have a variety of styles to choose from and the opportunity for these to be fitted correctly.
Support Resources for cancer Survivors & Loved Ones
Find additional online resources for cancer Survivors (anyone who has heard the words ‘you have cancer’), caregivers or loved ones, and about coping with cancer.
