Why Skin Health Matters More Than You Think

May is Melanoma Awareness Month in Canada—a time to raise awareness about one of the most serious forms of skin cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention.

The good news: survival rates for melanoma are high when it’s detected early. Unlike many other cancers, melanoma is often clearly visible on the skin—making regular skin checks a powerful tool in catching it early.

Based on the latest lymphedema prevalence data in Canada, nearly 1 in 10 melanoma survivors will develop secondary lymphedema—highlighting the importance of awareness, early intervention, and ongoing care.

Melanoma can affect anyone, but for individuals living with or at risk of lymphedema, skin health takes on even greater importance.

In addition, maintaining healthy, intact skin is critical for those managing lymphedema. Even minor skin damage—such as sunburn—can increase the risk of complications.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma, are at risk, or are managing lymphedema, these steps can help protect your skin:



• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses outdoors
• Avoid peak sun hours (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Check your skin regularly for new or changing spots
• Keep skin clean, moisturized, and protected from cuts or burns

Stay informed and proactive—

sign up for Melanoma Canada’s eNews for updates and monthly skin-check reminders.

If you are navigating lymphedema following melanoma or other cancer treatments, you are not alone. Both the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, and our friends at Melanoma Canada, provides trusted, up-to-date resources to support risk reduction, recognition of signs and symptoms, and effective lymphedema management.

LLL: Lymphedema

and Cellulitis

Provides a comprehensive overview of cellulitis and lymphedema, with best practices in skin care to help you better protect and care for your skin.

LLL: Melanoma

and Lymphedema

Features the latest, evidence-informed articles on skin protection and self-checks, warning signs, prevalence in Canada, risk factors, and the connection between melanoma

and lymphedema.

Managing Melanoma for the

Lymphedema Patient

A guide developed by Melanoma Canada to upper and lower limb lymphedema for the newly diagnosed melanoma patient.

🌟Paid Promotion🌟

This research opportunity is being shared as a paid promotion through the CLF to support broader dissemination to our community.

Are You Interested in Sharing Your Experience Living with Lymphedema or Lipedema During Pregnancy and Post-Partum?

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring significant changes to the body, but for individuals living with lymphedema or lipedema, these changes are not well understood. Current research and clinical guidance are extremely limited, leaving both patients and healthcare providers without clear answers on how to safely manage swelling, symptoms, and treatment during this critical time.

This international research initiative was designed to close that gap. Through a series of studies, including literature reviews, clinician focus groups, case experiences, and healthcare provider surveys, this research group has identified meaningful concerns: potential worsening of swelling, uncertainty about treatment approaches such as compression and manual lymphatic drainage, and a widespread need for better education and guidance for healthcare providers.

Now, this final survey focuses on what matters most: the individual’s experience. By sharing real-world experiences during pregnancy and postpartum, participants will help shape future care, improve clinical education, and support the development of evidence-based guidelines. Ultimately, this work aims to empower patients and healthcare providers worldwide with the knowledge needed to make safer, more informed decisions during pregnancy and beyond.

Interested in learning more about pregnancy

and lymphedema?

Check out the available resources below:

What is the Relationship Between Pregnancy and Lymphedema? LE&RN Online Symposium Series

Pregnancy and Lymphedema by LymphEd, LLC

Honour Your Loved Ones for Mother's Day

Make a donation to the Canadian Lymphedema Framework

The Canadian Lymphedema Framework recognizes all moms in our #lymphedema community and celebrates the dedication and support of moms who have children living with lymphedema.

This year for Mother’s Day, we invite you to honour the moms who have shaped your life by making a meaningful gift to the Canadian Lymphedema Framework.

In Celebration

Donating in honour of a mom caring for a child with lymphedema helps us provide the resources she needs to support

their journey.

In Memory

Commemorate the life of a beloved family member or friend by giving a gift in their name.

In Honour

When you pay tribute to someone affected by lymphedema, you’re making a meaningful

difference to help

change lives.

Whether you're celebrating a mother, remembering one, or supporting a mother living with lymphedema, your donation can make a lasting impact.

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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