- Lymphedema is a global health problem affecting more than 250 million people worldwide – women, men and children of all nationalities and populations.
- Lymphedema is a chronic, degenerative disease of the lymphatic system that can cause severe deformities, disability and life-threatening complications, as well as psychological and economic burden.
- Many healthcare professionals are not fully aware of the disease, its signs and symptoms, which is why lymphedema sufferers can suffer for many years before being diagnosed and treated.
- Public awareness and understanding of lymphatic diseases remain remarkably low despite their significant impact on the lives and health of people affected by lymphedema.
- People with lymphedema must have access to high-quality, multidisciplinary specialist centres, where they can consult experienced healthcare professionals, in order to receive appropriate treatment, including psychological and social care.
- Worldwide, there is a profound and unmet need to educate and support lymphedema sufferers in self-management, including family members and caregivers.
- Medical research efforts aimed at finding a cure for lymphedema and improving treatments lack significant funding, compared to diseases of similar scope and severity.
For all these reasons, the Lymphedema Association of Québec supports March 6 as World Lymphedema Day. We call the attention of politicians, healthcare decision-makers, health professionals, researchers and the general public to the needs of people living with lymphedema or at risk of developing it. We call for increased funding for medical research, training programs for healthcare professionals, and better access to screening and specialized care for people at risk or living with lymphedema.
