World Lymphoedema Awareness Day

March 6 | Awareness Week: 2–8 March | Awareness Month: March

Each year, World Lymphoedema Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to pause, reflect, and amplify the voices of those living with lymphoedema and other lymphatic diseases.

For me, it is always a reminder that while our clinical work happens one person at a time, we are part of a much bigger, global movement working toward better recognition, earlier diagnosis, equitable access to care, and stronger support systems.

Across Australasia and around the world, organisations are preparing campaigns, events and resources to help shine a light on lymphoedema in 2026. I encourage you to explore what resonates with you and consider how you might participate.

Australasian Lymphology Association

Theme: United in Care. Diverse in Practice

Running from 2–8 March 2026, Lymphoedema Awareness Week highlights the breadth and depth of lymphoedema care across Australasia.

This year’s theme recognises the diversity of practice settings in which care is delivered — from hospital to private practice, community services to academia — while emphasising our shared purpose: improving outcomes for people living with lymphoedema.

It’s a powerful reminder that although our practice contexts may differ, we are united in care.

Learn more and access campaign resources: https://www.lymphoedema.org.au

Canadian Lymphoedema Framework

Amplifying Stories. Empowering Voices.

The Canadian Lymphoedema Framework continues to lead with storytelling as a catalyst for awareness and connection.

Lymphoedema affects approximately 1 in 33 Canadians, yet many people still feel isolated in their experience. Sharing lived experience stories fosters understanding, reduces isolation, and strengthens advocacy efforts.

Explore ways to participate: https://www.canadalymph.ca/wld

As part of World Lymphedema Day, complimentary digital access will be available to the Spring 2026 edition of Pathways (launching March 2, 2026).

Sign up for complimentary access to Pathways: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvfrjyBE135v2BhSyjsFoGZyUcIkF4mmNciidRnGN1gt6W2A/viewform 

British Lymphology Society

Throughout March, the British Lymphology Society (BLS) leads its annual Lymphoedema Awareness Campaign, inviting clinicians, patients and communities to improve understanding, promote early recognition, and strengthen access to appropriate care across the UK.

The campaign includes free educational webinars, local awareness events, downloadable resources, and a new public information leaflet designed for display in GP surgeries, clinics and community spaces. BLS also joins colleagues globally in recognising World Lymphedema Day on 6 March.

Learn more and access campaign resources: https://sites.google.com/thebls.com/law/home

Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN)

World Lymphedema Day is an advocate-driven global event established in 2016 following legislation introduced in the United States Senate.

The 2026 event marks the 11th year of this worldwide movement. While the name focuses on lymphoedema, the day raises awareness of the full lymphatic continuum — including primary and secondary lymphoedema, lipedema, lymphatic filariasis and lymphatic malformations.

What I particularly value about LE&RN’s approach is the call to action: use your voice. Whether your event is small or large, in person or virtual, the important thing is participation. Their global event map visually demonstrates how connected our advocacy efforts are.

Find event ideas or post your own activity: https://lymphaticnetwork.org/wld/

National Lymphedema Network

March 6 holds special historical significance. It was chosen as the original Lymphedema Day because it marks the incorporation date of the National Lymphedema Network — the first nonprofit organisation dedicated to lymphoedema.

Founded by Saskia RJ Thiadens, the day began as a way to honour the struggles of those living with lymphoedema and recognise the professionals supporting them. What started as a single awareness day in 1994 has now grown into a global movement.

You can hear more about the history and origins of the day here: https://lymphnet.org/page/wld

Lymphoedema Association Australia

Shine a Light on Lymphoedema

Here in Australia, the Lymphoedema Association Australia continues to advocate strongly for people living with lymphoedema.

In 2026, the campaign focuses on raising funds for a dedicated support phone line — a practical and much-needed initiative to help people access information and feel less alone.

Throughout March you can:

  • See which landmarks are lighting up in blue
  • Access downloadable social media kits
  • Fundraise or donate
  • Share resources within your networks

Explore all awareness month resources in one location: https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/events/raising-awareness-campaign/awareness-week/

How You Might Participate

World Lymphoedema Awareness Day does not require something elaborate. Participation can be simple and meaningful:

  • Share a resource, awareness post or patient story (with consent)
  • Start a conversation in your clinic or workplace
  • Host a small education session
  • Light up your social media feed in blue
  • Register or post an event

Most importantly, use your voice.

As clinicians, researchers, educators, professional bodies, advocacy organisations, suppliers, industry partners, policymakers, and people with lived experience, we each play a role in shaping how lymphoedema is understood and supported. When we align our voices, share consistent messages, and work collaboratively across sectors, we strengthen recognition, improve access to care, and elevate lymphatic health as a priority within health systems.

Together, we are united in care, even as we practise, advocate, supply, educate and innovate in diverse ways.

Let’s make March 2026 count.