A BLACKBURN nurse has spoken out to highlight a distressing side-effect of cancer treatment as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Justine Whittaker, who specialises in lymphoedema, has urged sufferers to ask for help.

"Women with lymphoedema can be helped to understand and manage their condition so it no longer dominates their life," said Justine.

A spokesman for Macmillan Cancer Relief said more than a quarter of women develop lymphoedema in the arms or chest after breast surgery or radiotherapy. Known as 'the forgotten trauma', the chronic and painful condition can be a severe blow to confidence and has a massive influence on patients' lives.

Everyday tasks like driving and housework can be a problem and trying to find clothes to fit can be very demoralising.

Some women suffer in silence, believing it is a small price to pay for surviving breast cancer, but Justine says they should ask for help.

Justine went on: "They should ask their GP to refer them to a lymphoedema clinic where a specialist nurse or physiotherapist can give them treatment such as compression bandaging or massage to reduce the swelling.

Further information and details of local support groups is available on the Macmillan Cancerline, Freephone 0808 808 2020 between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday.