DIVING treatment could offer new hope to women cancer patients across Hampshire.

Researchers believe decompression chambers used to treat deep-sea divers with the bends could hold the key to relieving painful side effects of breast cancer treatment.

It is thought breathing pure oxygen in a decompression chamber could help patients who have been left with lymphoedema - a painful and irreversible condition characterised by a severely swollen arm following radiotherapy.

Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK have launched a trial to test the new treatment after a pilot study found it could reduce swelling in many cases.

The treatment, called hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), will be available in four areas across the UK, including Gosport.

Professor John Yarnold, leading the trial, said: "Radiotherapy following breast cancer surgery can damage the lymphatic system, meaning that fluid fails to drain properly and builds up in the arm causing swelling.

"Some women might have slight swelling that doesn't cause much of a problem. Others can suffer serious swelling, pain and discomfort. We hope to show that HBO treatment can succeed in reducing this swelling."

Just over 60 volunteers are needed to take part in the study from next month.

Women will be eligible if they have had surgery for breast cancer, had radiotherapy to the breast and armpit at least two years ago and have no signs of cancer now.

For more details, contact research co-ordinator Lone Gothard on 020 8661 3460.