March 6th, Lymphedema Awareness Day, is dedicated to raising awareness about the diseases that affect the lymphatic system. Often a life-long condition caused by the buildup of fluid, lymphedema is the chronic swelling of tissues where the lymph flow is blocked. It can affect any person, of any age. It is estimated that over 1 million Canadians have some form of lymphedema. Increased awareness, understanding and early diagnostics for lymphedema, give hope for continued improvement and advancements in the detection of lymphedema, the treatment of symptoms and it’s management.

See below for more information on lymphedema, including the signs and symptoms, stages, detection, diagnostics, treatment and more.