Fall Pathways is out now!

Dr. John M. Macdonald is widely known for both his clinical and research contributions to connecting wound healing with lymphatic function, establishing global health standards for disaster medicine, and founding international organizations to standardize clinical training. In this article, Anna Kennedy, with the support of Dr. David Keast, pays tribute to the career of Dr. John M. Macdonald, highlighting his significant contributions and the lasting impact he has made throughout his career. 

Cancer-related lymphedema affects approximately 350,000 Canadians and can develop following surgery or radiation treatment. Spencer Gibson and Karina Pereira Gomes explore their recent findings into why cancer survivors develop lymphedema based on how radiation therapy impacts lymphatic cells.

Mariam Botros, Janet L. Kuhnke, and Tobi Mark discuss why lower-limb health belongs in every chronic disease conversation. They highlight the growing clinical and health-system burden associated with chronic lower-limb wounds and emphasize the importance of prevention and early identification into chronic disease strategies.

Exercise can be an essential component of lower-limb lymphedema self-management when tailored to the unique biomechanical and physiological needs of the lower limbs. Margie McNeely offers practical guidance on moving from understanding “what” exercise to prescribe to knowing “how-to” effectively incorporating exercise into care for individuals with lower-limb lymphedema.

Occupational therapy is an important but often under-recognized professional support for people living with lymphedema. In this article, University of Alberta Master of Science in Occupational Therapy students Lauren Samycia, Tina Do, Rheanna Ramos, and Jordan Chabeniuk explore the unique role of occupational therapy in lymphedema management, explain how OT differs from other forms of therapy, and highlight practical ways occupational therapists can support people in managing everyday challenges.

In our Ask the Expert column, Mei Fu shares practical tips and strategies for minimizing acute and chronic inflammation.

As always, you will also find Hints & Tips, Event Listings, and our regular

"Did you know?" research roundup.

Lymphedema Learning Library:

Pediatric Lymphedema

Did you know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?

For children and families navigating cancer, there can be many unexpected challenges along the way. Lymphedema is one possible side effect of certain cancers and cancer treatments.

Secondary lymphedema can develop when the lymphatic system is affected by factors such as infection, cancer or cancer-related treatment, or surgery.

While not every child will develop lymphedema, understanding signs and symptoms, risk reduction, and knowing where to find support can make a difference.

If you are a parent or primary caregiver of a child with cancer and would like to learn more about pediatric lymphedema, we invite you to visit our website at www.canadalymph.ca and explore our Lymphedema Learning Library feature: Pediatric Lymphedema.

Key Dates & What’s New

Join us in Halifax from May 13-15 for the Canadian Lymphedema Framework Assembly 2027: Canada Connects – a national, three-day Assembly built around a fresh, innovative format designed for connection and collaboration.

CLFA2027: Canada Connects is a new kind of national Assembly — designed to turn awareness, expertise, lived experience, and partnership into shared momentum for better lymphedema care. Through a free public Lymphedema LEAD Day and a two-day Open Space Forum, people living with lymphedema, health professionals, researchers, advocates, industry partners, and other leaders will gather around one central invitation: What will it take to advance lymphedema care in Canada — and what are we ready to do together?

We’ve expanded the CLFA2027 website with new information about Lymphedema LEAD Day, the Open Space Forum, travel and accommodations, frequently asked questions, and more.

The Canadian Lymphedema Framework gratefully acknowledges the support of our industry partners. Their contributions help make our work possible and support education, awareness, and connection across the lymphedema community. We invite you to visit them online to learn more about their lymphedema products and services. Click any logo below to go directly to their website.

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