Mandurah has a new specialist service to deal with a 'debilitating' condition, saving residents a trip to Rockingham or Perth.
Lymphoedema is swelling that occurs when lymph fluid builds up in the tissues under the skin, with the ailment occurring because the lymphatic system is not working as it should.
Mel Horton set up Mandurah Oedema late last year to provide localised services to people living with lymphoedema.
"There was clearly a need - people in Mandurah need support," she said.
"At the moment people have to go to Rockingham Hospital. That's the closest place and is only available for public patients during their cancer treatment.
"More people are surviving cancer, so more people are contracting lymphoedema. If you have nodes removed from your armpit or groin area during treatment, you are highly susceptible to lymphoedema."
Ms Horton said it was a "very debilitating condition".
"Basically the lymphatic system deals with your body's waste. If you take out nodes, the vessels have nowhere to deposit their waste," she said.
"People get a feeling of heaviness, perhaps in one arm over the other. If it's not dealt with, the arm or limb will just get bigger and bigger until they are unable to wear a shirt, trousers or a shoe.
"The treatment is early intervention and lymph redirection. Your body can grow new lymph vessels but it can't replace nodes - which are the factories where everything happens.
"For people with a chronic condition, we do a combined decongestive therapy including draining, compression garments, exercise and skincare."
Mandurah Oedema is based at 36 Waterside Drive in Dudley Park. For more, visit mandurahoedema.com.au.