Lymphovenous Canada: Lymphedema Cancer Clinics and Programs

Alberta

Cross Cancer Institute,
Northern Alberta Cancer Program,
Lymphedema Management Program,
11560 University Ave.,
Edmonton, Alberta CANADA T6G 1Z2

Telephone: (780) 432-8716

Cross Cancer Institute's Lymphedema Management Program puts an emphasis on compression treatment with MLD provided to select/appropriate patients. The clinic can assess and provide guidance to clients on purchasing the appropriate compression garments and sleeves. Reid sleeves are provided on trial basis for assessment. Clients are also assessed for Legacy, MedAssist and Circaid sleeves.

The Institute's current treatment program is comprised of the following components:

1. initial assessment by a physical therapist. Some form of temporary compression garment provided where appropriate
2. appropriate lymphedema patients are referred to the lymphedema management program
3. patients receive 2 weeks of daily compression bandaging by a physical therapist
4. all patients are reviewed at 1 week for evaluation of treatment effect and to determine appropriate compression garment needs.
5. all patients attend a one hour lymphedema education class
6. all patients receive a final evaluation to determine compression therapy treatment effect. At this time a home maintenance program will be determined for the patient. This may include night-time bandaging, compression systems, self-massage and/or lymphedema exercises.
7. Upon final evaluation patients either:
   • continue with bandaging 2-3X/wk until custom garments arrive (this bandaging is done by a therapist assistant).
     
   • be discharged on home maintenance program
     
   • be referred for further treatment which may include MLD.
   • MLD may be indicated if:
     - there has been a poor response to compression therapy
     - trunk edema
     - pain management
     - chronic infections
     - other
     
8. At completion of active treatment, a 3 or 6 month follow-up appointment is scheduled.

Tom Baker Cancer Center Rehab Dept.
Lymphedema Management Program
2210-2nd St SW, Holy Cross Site,
Calgary, AB T2S 3C3
Phone: 403-476-2448

In the fall of 2006 publicly funded lymphedema treatment for cancer patients was extended to southern Alberta. Patients who meet eligibility criteria are being referred to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre at the old Holy Cross Hospital Centre.

A physiotherapist and occupational therapist have been hired to take over treating cancer lymphedema patients using the protocol that the Cross Cancer Institute uses in Edmonton Alberta. The Tom Baker Centre will be permitting GP's to provide a referral note to enable patients with secondary lymphedema to get treatment at their centre, in addition to their surgeon or oncologist, as was previously the case.

Calgary Prostate Cancer Institute
#100, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW
Calgary, Alberta T2V 4R6
Telephone: (403) 212-8070
E-mail: pci@prostatecalgary.com
http://www.prostatecalgary.com/

Willing to talk to men who develop lymphedema as a result of cancer treatment

Canadian Prostate Cancer Network
www.cpcn.org/

British Columbia

The B.C. Cancer Agency Lymphedema Control Program,
Vancouver Cancer Centre
600 West 10th Ave., Vancouver B.C. V5Z 4E6
Web site: http://www.bccancer.bc.ca
e-mail: webmaster@bccancer.bc.ca
Telephone (604) 877-6000
FAX (604) 872-4596

The B.C. Cancer Agency Lymphedema Control Program began in September 1987. Compression garments, education and exercises are integral components of the program. The program assesses and treats arm or leg limb lymphedema secondary to cancer conditions including Breast Cancer.

Their publication, "Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema" can be requested in pamphlet form from the BCCA library at: 1-800-663-3333/877-6000 local 2688 or the Cancer Information Service 1-888-939-3333.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick research explores women's experience with breast cancer-related lymphedema

In January 2003 the Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Breast Cancer foundation assisted in funding the training of another physiotherapist in Complete Decongestive Therapy for the treatment of lymphedema.

Laine MacKinley BScPT, CLT, now works with Andrea Tilley, BScPT, in conjunction with the existing program out of Saint Joseph's Hospital at 130 Bayard Dr., Saint John, N.B. Tel: (506) 632-5510. The program also treats those with lymphedema at the Saint John Regional Hospital, University Avenue, Saint John NB. Tel. 506-648-6912.

Other therapy clinic:
Michelle Murray, Diana Leich and Assoc., 717 Millidge AVe., or 2 Mount Pleasant Court, Saint John, N.B. Tel: (506) 693-7325

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Lymphedema Roadshow

Martina Reddick, Lymphedema Nurse Coordinator at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre was hired on permanently as the Lymphedema Nurse Co-ordinator with the Cancer Care Program of Eastern Health in 2006.

She was drawn into the program through a lymphedema roadshow organized in 2004 by Pamela Hodgson, a registered massage therapist and graduate student in community health, who developed it in response to concerns raised by women who participated in the bi-weekly Breast Cancer Support Teleconference Network. Women expressed the need for up-to-date information on post-mastectomy lymphedema for themselves and their families, and for the health care practitioners who treat them. The Roadshow was funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic chapter, with additional funding from Jobst Canada.

Over 15 presentations in 8 different towns across the province were held. Workshops were about one hour in length for public and for health care providers were held in a number of locations around the province. Workshops were specifically geared to each group but both sets of workshops provided information on symptoms, risk factors, prevalence and management of the condition. Health care practitioners, doctors, nurses, occupational, physical, and massage therapists demonstrated keen interest. This initiative ended in June 2005.

Martina continued to carry the torch through a pilot project funded by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Atlantic chapter throughout 2006 before her position was made permanent.

Martina has travelled extensively throughout the Province doing education sessions with health care professionals and those at risk for or living with lymphedema. She has a lymphedema clinic 1 day per week where she sees patients on a referral basis. Her primary goal is to educate patients in prevention as well as how to manage their lymphedema if it develops (i.e what to do, where to seek help etc.). If you require any further information Martina can be reached at 709-777-8713 or by email at: martina.reddick@easternhealth.ca

Labrador Massage Therapy Clinic:
For more information contact Ingrid Lindner, P.O. Box 1885 Stn. B, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador A0P 1E0.

Nova Scotia

The Lymphedema care program, at Capital District Health Authority, is located in the Rehab Services Department in the Dickson Building of Victoria General Hospital. The client services are provided by an Occupational Therapist and a Physiotherapist who both have certification training in Complex Lymphedema Therapy. This is a multi-faceted program that offers:

• preventive services and education for those at risk of developing lymphedema;
• acts as a triage/liaison service for those who wish to access treatment in other parts of the province;
• provides treatment to clients experiencing lymphedema; and carries out research in the ares of lymphedema.

The Volumetric and Clinic Benefits of Using Compression Garments versus Compression Bandaging in Complex Lymphedema Treatment is a pilot study currently underway. Once a month, an educational and screening session is offered to individuals who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer and are at risk of developing lymphedema post surgery and radiotherapy treatments. Clients are also seen on an individual basis who have a primary diagnosis of cancer and have lymphedema for assessment and treatment.

Assessment and consultative services are offered to clients/family/physicians regarding lymphedema that are not related to a diagnosis of cancer. To access their brochure on their lymphedema program click here

For more information contact Vickie Sullivan, Director, Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Cancer Centre at: (902) 473-6069. You can also write the Centre for more information at: 5820 University Ave., Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 1V8 or e-mail her at: Vickie.Sullivan@cdha.nshealth.ca

Other lymphedema clinics:

Physiotherapy Atlantic
Suite 700, 59991 Spring Garden Rd.
Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6
Tel: (902) 421-7549

Ontario

• Credit Valley Hospital, Diane McLaughlin, Occupational therapist, 2200 Eglinton Ave. W., Mississauga, Ont. L5N 2N1 Telephone: (905) 813-1570/1571. Primarily deals with in-hospital patients. Classified as a Cancer Regional Treatment Centre.

 
• Grand River Hospital, Janet Millward, 835 King Street W., Kitchener, ON, N2G 1X8. Telephone: (519)-742-3611. Breast cancer related secondary Lymphedema.

 
• Hospital for Sick Children, Pamela Hilliard, Physiotherapist, 555 University Ave., Toronto, Ont. M5G 1X8 Telephone: (416) 813-6755. Children's lymphovenous disorders including primary lymphedema, Klippel-Trenaunay, Hemangioma and Vascular Birthmarks.

 
• The Juravinski Cancer Centre (formerly known as the Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre), has re-opened their lymphedema clinic. Breast cancer patients must be referred by their oncologist. For information please contact Margaret Forbes, RN at (905) 387-9495 ext. 64176.

 
• Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Cathy deLorme, PT/CDT, 21 Sylvan Street W., Kenora, ON P9N 3W7. Telephone: (807)468-9861. Mainly breast cancer-related lymphedema.

 
• London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital, Linda Evans, PT, 800 Commissioners Rd. E. London, Ont. N6A 4G5 Telephone:(519) 685-8117 Primary and secondary lymphedema.

 
• London Regional Cancer Centre, Symptoms Clinic, 790 Commissioners Rd. E., London, Ont. N6A 4L6 Provides both preventative care and treatment for lymphedema in men and women who have been treated for cancer, mostly breast cancer. Individuals in the London catchment area (Owen Sound to Brantford and Wallaceburg) can either self-refer to the clinic or have a physician refer them.
  For more information contact Lyn Kligman, Pain Management Nurse at: (519)685-8600 or write the London Regional Cancer Centre, 790 Commissioners Rd. E., London, Ont. N6A 4L6

 
• North Bay General Hospital, Louise Sylvestre, Physiotherapist, 750 Scollard Street, North Bay, Ont. P1B 5A4 Telephone: (705)474-8600 ext. 4068. Primary and secondary lymphedema.

 
• Oshawa General Hospital24 Alma Street, Oshawa, Ont. L1G 2B9 telephone (905) 433-4355. Some primary, mostly secondary. Only out-patient treatment except for patients already receiving in-patient services.

 
• Princess Margaret Lymphedema Clinic, Aleksandra Chafranskaia, PT, Breast Site, Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto ON M5G 2M9 Telephone: 416-946-4501 ex 2363

 
• Quinte Healthcare - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King St., Trenton, Ont. K8V 5S6 Physiotherapy Dept. Telephone:(613) 392-2540 ext. 5444.

 
• Royal Victoria Hospital, Rowena Hill, CDT, 201 Georgian Drive, Barrie, ON L4M 6M2. (705)728-9090 ext 47317. Secondary Lymphedema only.

 
• Sudbury Regional Hospital/Northwestern Ontario Cancer Centre, Laurentian site, Kathy Jermyn, Physiotherapist, 41 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, Ont. P3E 5J1 Telephone: (705)522-6237 ext. 2175. Secondary lymphedema only with referral by health care professionals.

 
• Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Treatment Centre Lymphedema Clinic, Anne Blair RN/Susan Bowles RN, 2075 Bayview Avenue Toronto, ON M4N 3M5. Telephone: (416) 480-4633. Secondary lymphedema only.

 
• St. Joseph's Health Centre, Marie Eason Klatt, Occupational Therapist, 30 The Queensway, Toronto, Ont. M6R 1B5 Telephone: (416) 530-6058 ext. 3550. Primary and secondary lymphedema within catchment area.

 
• Thunderbay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Leona DiCassmiro PT/CDT, 980 Oliver Road, Thunderbay P7B 6V4. Telephone: (807)684-7234. In patient and outpatients.

These private clinics are filling the gap until lymphedema treatment centres are established in hospitals in their areas:

• Health Supports and Fitting Services - Kingston:
  Health Supports and Fitting Services - a new lymphedema clinic - in Kingston Ontario has opened at 328 Queen Street. To get more information on the clinic contact Diane Batchelor RN MScN NP by e-mail at: dianebatchelor@cogeco.net

• Haley Rehab:
  A rehabilitation facility at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus. This clinic is located at Maurice Grimes Lodge, Level S (Sublevel), 200 Melrose Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y 4K7. For more information contact: Louise Haley at: (613) 761-4062 or view their web site at: www.haleyrehab.ca

See also:

Canadian treatment centres for people with lymphedema
Lymphatic massage and physiotherapy
Suppliers