The Bays Hospital is very excited and grateful to receive donor funding to enable us to purchase the first SOZO machine for the Mornington Peninsula. A SOZO machine is used for the early monitoring and detection of cancer-related lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic system isn’t working properly and fluid begins to leak into body tissue, and is a common side effect following surgery for breast cancer and other cancers.
The SOZO is a non-invasive 30 second test that can detect fluid changes as small as 2.4 tablespoons, which allows clinicians to implement strategies early to control and alleviate lymphoedema and its progression.
Recent research shows that early detection combined with standard compression therapy can reduce the progression of lymphoedema by 95 per cent.
Fundraising for the SOZO machine was a collaborative effort by individual breast cancer patients, the Breast Intentions Cancer Support Group and the Somerville Junior Football Club. We are so thankful for their continued support.