The $20,000 bio impedance machine funded by the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, is used to assess breast cancer patients who are at risk of developing lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema involves the build-up of fluid and swelling of the limbs, and is a common side-effect of some cancer treatments.

McGrath breast care nurse Robyn Goldsworthy said the new device would allow up to five new breast cancer patients to be assessed each week.

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"Capturing breast cancer patients before they commence treatment or have surgery will allow us to determine a baseline measurement to be used in monitoring for the potential development of lymphoedema," she said.

"Early surveillance and treatment can lower the incidence of clinical lymphoedema to 14 per cent, compared with the traditional referral incidence of 39 per cent."

Cancer patient Justine Rofe was diagnosed with breast cancer in July said she felt comforted she would be monitored closely for lymphoedema over the next 12 months.

"It gives peace of mind knowing that even if I can't detect a change in my arm, this amazing piece of technology will be able to do it well in advance," she said.

"It means one less thing to worry about while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation."

Trust fund chair Michelle Hensel, who is also a breast cancer survivor, said another machine was also purchased this year for the the Albury Wodonga Health Lymphoedema Service.