Upper limb lymphoedema (ULL) is a potentially serious consequence of local and regional therapy in women with breast cancer. Surgical procedures may cause the stagnation of high-protein fluid in the body tissue that may then be exacerbated by the radiation therapy that follows many breast-conserving techniques. The result is a painful, debilitated and swollen limb. ULL has a long history in the literature, but remains an enigma that often leaves the medical community and those who suffer from the condition frustrated and searching for answers. At the 10th International Congress on Anticancer Treatment (ICACT) [Paris, France; January-February 2000], the results of a study to develop a specific quality of life (QOL) questionnaire for use in ULL were presented and a poster discussing the psychological problems and subsequent QOL issues encountered by women with ULL.