What is Lymphoedema? Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2026

What Is Lymphoedema? Let’s Go Back to Basics This March

March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month and in 2026 it includes Lymphoedema Awareness Week (2–8 March). The Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) has chosen “United in Care. Diverse in Practice” as our theme.

I love this theme, because it perfectly reflects what I see every day in clinic – a community of people living with lymphoedema, supported by skilled professionals working in many different ways, all united by the goal of better care.

One of the first questions I hear from new clients is: “What actually is lymphoedema, and why has no one ever explained my lymphatic system to me?”

So many people arrive in my clinic after being told they “have lymphoedema,” and the very next thing they do is apologise for not knowing anything about it.

Please don’t apologise. You honestly know about as much as most GPs, and that’s not a criticism of you, or them, it’s a problem with how health professionals are trained.

When I re-trained in the Dr Vodder method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in 2013, my lecturer, Professor Neil Piller from Flinders University, shared that most GPs get only a tiny amount of formal teaching on the lymphatic system and nutrition during their medical training, one class usually (four hours).

For a system that affects so much of our health, I find that pretty frightening.

Why Your GP Might Say “I’m Not Sure What’s Going On”

Because the lymphatic system barely features in medical education, it’s very common for people with lymphoedema to feel dismissed, confused or left in limbo.

Here’s a pattern I see often:

• You notice a swollen limb, often a leg, that doesn’t seem to settle.

• You see your GP, who may say, “I’m not sure what’s going on,” but will hopefully check your heart and kidney function.

• If those tests are clear, you may be referred to a vascular specialist.

This isn’t bad medicine, it’s actually important to rule out heart, kidney and vascular causes of swelling. But it can be incredibly frustrating when you still don’t have a name for what’s happening in your body.

Vascular specialists often have a better understanding of the lymphatic system because the vascular and lymphatic systems work hand in hand.

You might have tests that show your veins and arteries are functioning well, and that’s often when you finally hear the word “lymphoedema” and get referred on to a lymphoedema therapist like me.

This is exactly where “United in Care. Diverse in Practice.” comes in. Lymphoedema care is rarely about one single profession. It’s about GPs, vascular specialists, lymphoedema therapists, nurses, and community organisations each playing their part, in their own way, for your benefit.

So, What Is Lymphoedema?

Here’s what I really want you to know.

• Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling that happens when the lymphatic system isn’t working properly.

• It can feel like heaviness or aching, and you may notice swelling that gets worse as the day goes on and eases somewhat overnight.

• You might also see or feel areas of thicker or firmer skin.

There are two main types:

• Primary lymphoedema – this often appears “out of the blue,” without a clear cause. You might be born with it, or it can develop in adolescence, midlife or later life due to an underlying issue with how your lymphatic system is built or functions.

• Secondary lymphoedema – this develops after a known “insult” to the lymphatic system, such as cancer treatment with lymph node removal or radiation, multiple surgeries, trauma or accidents, infections, or even insect bites.

Whatever the cause, the impact can be physical, emotional and practical. Swelling changes how your body feels, how your clothes fit, how you move through the world and it can feel very lonely if no one has taken the time to explain what’s happening.

During Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2026, I want to highlight that there is no “one right way” to support someone with lymphoedema. Different bodies, different lives and different stages of health all need different approaches.

Lymphoedema Is Manageable

Here’s the most important thing to keep in mind – lymphoedema is manageable.

It can absolutely feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve been given a diagnosis but no clear guidance or support. But there is a way forward, and it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing or perfection.

Conservative treatment for lymphoedema often includes a combination of:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – gentle, specialised techniques to support the flow of lymph.

• Compression – garments, bandaging or pumps to help manage and control swelling.

• Exercise – particularly low-impact and water-based activities, which can feel supportive and empowering.

• Nutrition and self-care – looking after your overall health so your body and lymphatic system have the best chance to function well.

Across Australasia, Lymphoedema Awareness Week is also about recognising the skilled and accredited professionals delivering this kind of care in hospitals, private clinics, community settings, telehealth, research, education and advocacy.

We might all work differently, but we are united by the same goal – helping you live as well as possible with lymphoedema.

Your plan should be tailored to you – your body, your lifestyle, your goals and your capacity. That’s where “diverse in practice” really matters.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

I’ve been working with lymphoedema for almost two decades now, and retrained in the Dr Vodder method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in 2013. I’ve walked alongside many people at that “I have no idea what this means” stage.

You don’t have to have the right words or the perfect questions. There is nothing “silly” about not understanding a system that most doctors barely learn about.

During Lymphoedema Awareness Week 2026, my hope is that you feel a little less alone and a little more seen, whether you’re living with lymphoedema yourself, supporting someone who is, or working in the lymphoedema space as a health professional.

If any of this feels familiar – the swelling, the heaviness, or just that nagging sense that something isn’t right – you’re welcome to come and talk it through with me.

I’m in my Brookvale clinic every weekday except Tuesday, and I also offer online consults if getting in is tricky.

Is there a part of your lymphoedema story (or your symptoms) that you’d like me to write about more this Lymphoedema Awareness Month?