June is a special month, celebrating both Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month. It's a time to honour the dads we love and also raise awareness about important health issues affecting men, including lymphedema.

Men are reported to have higher incidence of primary genital lymphedema compared to women and are just as likely as women to develop secondary lymphedema after surgery.

Prostate health is a very important issue during Men's Health Month. Secondary lymphedema is a well-known complication of cancer therapy. In men undergoing prostate cancer treatment, surgical resection or irradiation of the pelvic lymph nodes can result in lymphedema (LE) of the lower limbs and the scrotal and suprapubic regions. (Learn more by reading the cover story of our Winter 2021-22 issue of Pathways with our compliments at this link)

Due to the lack of awareness about lymphedema in men, patients often experience delayed diagnoses. This delay can lead to postponed treatment, making the condition harder to manage and potentially causing further complications.

For fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, nephews, and grandfathers affected by lymphedema, show how much you care with a special donation in their honour to support the advancement of lymphedema education and awareness.

Your contribution can help fund vital education and support services, leading to breakthroughs that improve quality of life for men everywhere.

Pathways magazine features personal stories to inspire and connect our community. In this month's newsletter, we're proud to pass along two of those stories to share the experiences of James Lanning and Graham Snell. Their journeys with lymphedema are filled with resilience and hope, and we hope their stories motivate and encourage you. By sharing stories and experiences, men can raise awareness and help others facing lymphedema.

"Through living with this condition, I have learned a lot. I have learned perspective, I have learned compassion, and I have learned patience and mental toughness."

"I also encourage you all to be active in the advocacy of our disease. Tell your story [...]. We are all in this together."

So, how can you help?

This Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month, encourage the men you know to share their lymphedema journey. Their stories can change lives.

To learn more about how to contribute your story for Pathways, follow the link, below.

The Canadian Lymphedema Framework gratefully acknowledges the contributions of these industry partners whose support helps to make our important work possible. Please visit them online to learn about their lymphedema products and services. Simply click on their logo, below, to be taken directly to their website.

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