CLF 2024-2025 Impact Report

CANADIAN LYMPHEDEMA FRAMEWORK

CLF Impact Report 2024-2025

Canadian Lymphedema Framework 204-4800 Dundas St W Toronto, ON M9A 1B1 Canada Phone: 647-693-1083 Email: info@canadalymph.ca Charitable Registration Number: 85160 1260 RR0001

02 | CLF Impact Report 2024-2025

Founder Foreword Through collaboration, commitment, and compassion, we are transforming the landscape of lymphedema care in Canada.

It is with great pride that I share with you the Canadian Lymphedema Framework’s 2024–25 Impact Report.

This annual reflection offers a meaningful snapshot of our continued progress toward improving lymphedema education, research, awareness, and access to care across the country.

It is also a celebration of the extraordinary individuals and partners who make this work possible.

Today, more than 1.25 million Canadians are living with lymphedema or chronic edema. While this number reflects the growing awareness and understanding of the condition, it also underscores the persistent gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and support. The human impact – physical, emotional, and financial – is profound. And yet, within this challenge lies immense opportunity.

The stories and achievements captured in this report are evidence of what can be accomplished when patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, government representatives, and industry leaders come together with

Dr. David Keast, MD, FCFP Chair, Board of Directors Founding Member Canadian Lymphedema Framework

shared purpose. From advancing advocacy and supporting research to expanding clinical education and fostering international collaboration, each initiative represents a deliberate step toward a more equitable future for all Canadians affected by lymphedema.

As one of the founding members of the CLF, I remain deeply inspired by the growing momentum of this movement and the dedication of those who sustain it. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I extend sincere thanks to our donors and financial partners – your support is vital to every success outlined in these pages.

We have much work ahead, but also great hope. As we look to the future, may we continue to lead with integrity, curiosity, and compassion. Together, we are shaping a stronger and more responsive system of care – one that recognizes lymphedema not as a rare condition, but as a public health priority.

Table of Contents

04 06 Our People

Who We Are Our Mission, Vision, & Accomplishments

Our Board of Directors, Honouring Dr. Catherine McCuaig, Executive and Operational Staff, Pathways Editorial Board

08

Engaging with Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Patients & Advocates Social media, eNews, Public Inquiries, Website, End of Year Giving, Campaign to Exempt Medical Compression Garments from Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs and Change.org Petition

Lymphedema Day & 12 World March Lymphedema Awareness Let’s Talk Lymphedema Campaign, Spring Pathways Complimentary Issue, Patient Education Pamphlet Project, Healthcare Professional Education Card

14

Expanding Our Reach: Engaging At Key Events Virtual & In-Person Events with the CLF, Dr. David Keast and Dr. Siba Haykal

18

Education Initiatives Canadian Prevalence Data Update, Healthcare Professional Education Card, Patient Education Pamphlet, U of A Lymphedema and Chronic Edema Management Course, Health Professional Toolkit, Healthcare Professional and Patient Lymphedema Education Presentations, IMD Health, Lymphedema Learning Library Online

22 Research Update

Chapter 13: Best Practice Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Wounds Related to Lower Limb Lymphedema, Canadian Lymphedema Prevalence Data Update, LANA Summit, DOI Registered

24 Pathways Magazine

2024/2025 Published Pathways, Pathways Content, Readers From Around the World

26 Our Partnerships

Provincial and International Lymphedema Associations, Partner Organizations, Sponsors, Advertisers, 2024-2025 Donors

04 | Who We Are

Who We Are & What We Stand For Founded in 2009, the Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF) is an academic, clinical, and patient collaboration promoting lymphedema research, best practices, and clinical development.

Our Mission: To improve the management of lymphedema and related disorders in Canada. In collaboration with the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) and other national frameworks, we will contribute to the global advancement of lymphedema care.

Our Vision: Comprehensive treatment for lymphedema and related disorders will be accessible to all persons across Canada.

We deliver on our vision and mission through the development of projects in the areas of education, research, and partnerships across Canada.

05 | What We Have Accomplished

The CLF is partnered with 8 provincial lymphedema associations across Canada.

What We Have Accomplished Collaborated with the ILF and ILA on developing a dynamic and insightful program for the 2025 International Lymphoedema Framework Conference Published updated Lymphedema Prevalence Data for Canada Celebrated 13 years of Pathways Magazine Became a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) registrant Secured Canadian Heritage Grant funding to support expanded distribution of Pathways magazine Partnered with IMD Health to deliver lymphedema education Delivered World Lymphedema Day Campaign University of Alberta microcredential course collaboration and update Distributed Patient Education Pamphlet and Updated Healthcare Professional Education Card Continued collaborative partnerships with ILF, BLS, ALA, NLN, LE&RN, Wounds Canada, and eight Provincial Lymphedema Associations

06 | Our People

Our People The CLF’s strength lies in its people – a small, dedicated staff team and a passionate group of volunteers who generously contribute their time, expertise, and energy to advance our mission and vision.

Honouring a Decade of Leadership: Catherine McCuaig The Board and Staff of the CLF extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Catherine McCuaig for her 10 years of dedicated service as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors upon her retirement from the Board in 2024. Dr. McCuaig’s leadership and commitment have been instrumental in advancing lymphedema care across Canada.

Beyond her work with CLF, Catherine’s expertise in pediatric lymphedema and her contributions through dermatology continue to make a lasting impact. As she steps down from her role with the CLF, we know that her influence on the lymphedema community will continue to be felt for years to come. We thank her and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Updates from the Board of Directors The Canadian Lymphedema Framework welcomes and congratulates Dr. Siba Haykal on her appointment as the new Vice Chair of our Board of Directors. Under her leadership and dedication, we are excited for the direction she will take the organization in the coming years.

We also warmly welcome Naomi Dolgoy, PhD as the newest Member of the Board . Naomi’s expertise and passion for improving care and support for those living with lymphoedema will be invaluable to our efforts.

Board of Directors

Dr. David Keast

Dr. Siba Haykal

Dr. Catherine McCuaig

Spencer B. Gibson, PhD

Maryse Beaumier, PhD

Naomi Dolgoy, PhD

07 | Our People

Executive and Operational Staff

Pathways Editorial Board

Bonnie Baker Executive Director

Grace Neumayer Marketing Manager

Anna Kennedy Editor in Chief

Anna Towers, MD FCFP Editorial Board

Rachelle McDonald Bookkeeping

Alisha Damji 2024 Summer Intern

Mei Fu, MT, MSc Editorial Board

Lori Radke, PT, CDT Editorial Board

David Keast, MSc Dip Ed MD CCFP FCFP(LM) Editorial Board

Margie McNeely, PhD Editorial Board

Bonnie Baker

Rachelle McDonald

Grace Neumayer

David Keast

Anna Kennedy

Anna Towers

Margie McNeely

Mei Fu

Lori Radke

Alisha Damji

Volunteers We are deeply grateful to our volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to the CLF this past year, contributing to special projects and initiatives in countless meaningful ways. Their support helps extend our reach and amplify our impact.

08 | Engaging with Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Patients & Advocates

Engaging with Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Patients & Advocates Through the CLF’s social media channels, website, and eNews campaigns we connect with patients, health professionals, researchers, policy and decision makers, industry partners and the public to help raise awareness around the needs of those affected by lymphedema.

Social Media We leverage social media for education campaigns to amplify reach, engagement, and impact; ultimately contributing to greater awareness, understanding, and positive change across Canada and around the globe.

It is estimated that more than 1.25 million Canadians

are impacted by lymphedema and/or chronic edema.

Most remain undiagnosed and/or untreated.

On our social channels the CLF has 2,800+ followers, with a global reach of 31,000+ across all platforms: This year, the CLF announced its collaboration with the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) and the International Lipoedema Association (ILA) to present the 12th International Lymphoedema Framework Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada on October 23 - 25, 2025.

We look forward to welcoming Conference attendees from across Canada and around the world in October.

09 | Engaging with Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Patients & Advocates

eNews

CLF Website

The CLF produces routine email campaigns for distribution to our mailing list of 4,900+ recipients.

Each campaign is carefully composed to deliver the latest news in lymphedema research, education, events, and partnering organizations’ initiatives.

Our website, www.canadalymph.ca, is a comprehensive hub dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and fostering community for patients, caregivers, and health professionals.

In the last year, the CLF sent 33 email campaigns with 58,800+ opens/reads by recipients.

Sharing information from partner organizations serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, empowerment, networking, community engagement, and quality improvement within our community, contributing to its growth and vitality.

Public Inquiries The CLF is dedicated to assisting the public by handling inquiries via phone and email. We endeavor to provide support and information to anyone with an interest in learning more, including those affected by lymphedema and the health professionals who care for them.

This past year, the CLF handled 214 phone inquiries and 644 email inquiries from the public.

Our website is a wealth of information about lymphedema, covering its definition, best practices, and strategies for taking control of your health. Additionally, users can access Pathways magazine, stay informed about the latest news and events, and explore our exclusive Online Marketplace, which includes products and services from our partner organizations, sponsors, advertisers and exhibitors.

Over the past year, our website has received over 48,000+ website visits and has reached audiences from 145 countries.

10 | Engaging with Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Patients & Advocates

End of Year Giving Campaign Through our End of Year Giving Campaign, the CLF successfully reached its goal of raising $5,000 in charitable donations. Thanks to the generous support of past donors, social media followers, email subscribers, and community members, these funds are helping to expand access to trusted educational materials for healthcare professionals, individuals living with lymphedema, and their advocates. By strengthening healthcare clinical resources across Canada, this initiative empowers patients and supports the advancement of lymphedema care nationwide.

On behalf of the members of the Survivors/Thrivers Breast Cancer Support Group, I want to thank you for helping make the lymphedema presentation such a success. Your contribution of samples, supplies, resources and information were greatly appreciated. These women left the meeting feeling empowered.”

- Lynda Hicks, Cobourg, Ontario Cancer Survivor & Lymphedema Advocate

Exempt Medical Compression Garments from Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs Change.org Campaign In response to new U.S. retaliatory tariffs on Canadian imports, the Government of Canada announced a 25% tariff on a list of American goods—including textiles. However, medical compression garments, which are used to treat lymphedema, fall under this broad textile classification (e.g., tariff code 6115). The government may not realize that these garments are prescribed, medically necessary, and unavailable from Canadian manufacturers.

The CLF took a stand against the 25% tariff on medical compression garments by launching a national anti-tariff campaign and petition and partnered with the Lymphedema Association of Quebec (LAQ) to provide a French version.

We collaborated with eight provincial associations to gather key contacts for provincial representatives, ensuring our national audience had the information needed to take action.

To protect access to compression garments, we encouraged individuals to write to government officials about the impact of these tariffs. To make advocacy easier, we provided a prewritten letter template that could be personalized and sent to local representatives.

We also urged our community to share the petition with colleagues, friends, and family to amplify our collective voice and strengthen our advocacy efforts.

11 | Engaging with Healthcare Professionals, Researchers, Patients & Advocates

What we are asking for: We urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc to: Recognize medical compression garments as essential medical devices rather than textiles.

Grant an immediate and permanent exemption for these items from the 25% tariff on U.S. imports.

Work with patient advocacy groups and industry stakeholders to ensure affordability and accessibility of these critical medical supplies.

We are thrilled to share that we have surpassed 2,100 signatures toward our goal of 10,000 in our fight against tariffs on medical compression garments. This campaign remains ongoing as the tariffs continue to be enforced, and we need even more voices to make an impact.

Every signature brings us closer to ensuring compression garments remain affordable and accessible for those who rely on them. If you haven’t signed yet, now is the time! And if you have, please help us by sharing the petition with your friends, family, and colleagues.

12 | World Lymphedema Day and March Lymphedema Awareness

World Lymphedema Day & March Lymphedema Awareness Every year the CLF participates in the global lymphedema community's efforts to raise awareness, advance education, and facilitate engagement opportunities for individuals affected by lymphedema, including patients, family members, and healthcare professionals.

Let’s Talk About Lymphedema Our theme for World Lymphedema Day and March Awareness Month was "Let's talk about lymphedema: Understanding starts with us."

This campaign emphasized the importance of open dialogue in raising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of lymphedema. By encouraging active participation and meaningful conversations, this initiative aimed to empower individuals to learn more about this too often overlooked condition.

Let’s Talk About Lymphedema presented ways our audience could participate in World Lymphedema Day: Let’s Educate We provided downloadable and printable resources to share with their healthcare team, community, workplace, friends, and family.

Let’s Share We created a WLD2025 Social Media Toolkit for our audience to engage and educate their community on lymphedema in Canada.

Let’s Subscribe We encouraged participants to subscribe to our eNews and Pathways to stay up to date on the latest in lymphedema research, education, and advocacy.

13 | World Lymphedema Day and March Lymphedema Awareness

1 in 33 Canadians are living with lymphedema. Most remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Let’s Advocate We provided a letter template to help advocates request better lymphedema treatment from their provincial health minister and local Member of Parliament.

Let’s Donate As a registered charity, the CLF relies on the generosity of our supporters. Every donation helps us empower patients, educate healthcare professionals, and expand access to vital resources and care.

Let’s Participate Across Canada, eight provincial lymphedema associations offer support, resources, and community. We encourage all our supporters to connect with their local association and benefit from a network of individuals who truly understand the lived experience of lymphedema.

Spring Pathways Complimentary Issue To celebrate World Lymphedema Day on March 6th, we gift the lymphedema community with complimentary access to read the digital edition of Spring Pathways.

This year, our Spring issue has reached an audience exceeding 12,000+ readers across 24 countries.

Pathways is Canada's only lymphedema magazine, and is the largest communications platform for lymphedema education.

Its publication is made possible through collaborative efforts with lymphedema experts and support from industry partners, sponsors, and advertisers, as well as from a Canadian Heritage Aid-to-Publishers grant.

Patient Education Pamphlet & Healthcare Professional Education Card To date, over 15,000 educational pamphlets have been distributed at educational events and to provincial lymphedema associations, cancer centres, healthcare clinics, physiotherapy and massage therapy practices, and wellness centres across Canada.

Additionally, our Healthcare Professional Education Card – now updated with the latest prevalence data – was shared through a national mailing campaign to inform and engage healthcare professionals across the country.

14 | Expanding our Reach: Engaging at Key Events

Expanding Our Reach: Engaging At Key Events Our Board of Directors is composed of recognized leaders in lymphedema care. Their expertise is highly sought after at conferences and events in Canada and around the world, where they share insights on the latest advancements in research, treatment, clinical best practices, and advocacy.

Participation at key, in-person events as an exhibitor allows the CLF to connect meaningfully with healthcare professionals, patients, researchers, and advocates— especially when our board members are also presenting.

These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities to raise awareness of the CLF’s work, highlight the latest research and educational initiatives, and build stronger partnerships. At each event, we share a range of resources – including Pathways magazine, patient education pamphlets, details about our University of Alberta course, and upcoming CLF events – alongside region-specific materials to ensure relevance and impact.

Surgical Options For Lymphedema Dr. Siba Haykal LAO Annual General Meeting

Reconstructive Microsurgery Dr. Siba Haykal World Society For Reconstructive Microsurgery: Micro Minutes With The Masters

Lower Extremity Lymphedema and Skin Breakdown Dr. David Keast LAO March Awareness Month Dr. Keast presented on the prevalence and risk factors for lower extremity lymphedema will be examined both in the Canadian and international perspective. Key interventions and strategies for prevention were discussed.

16 | Expanding our Reach: Engaging at Key Events

Northern Health: Lymphedema Education Day

Venous Leg Ulcers and Lymphedema Management

Dr. David Keast, Sonja Redden, PT, and Jenna LaFleche

Dr. David Keast Wounds Canada 2024 National Hybrid Conference

Northern Health Dr. Keast’s presentations covered best practices in lymphedema treatment, emphasizing key therapy components, lifestyle changes, and the role of surgery. He also addressed the challenges of lymphedema care in medical practice, highlighting comprehensive assessments, contributing factors, and the importance of compression therapy, supported by real-world case studies.

Pathophysiology of Lymphedema and the Impact on the Lower Extremity Dr. David Keast 24th Ruth Ruttan Multidisciplinary Footcare Conference Dr. Keast presented on the the pathophysiology of lymphedema, the impact of lymphedema on the lower extremities and need for a systematic approach to skin care.

Be Well Speaker Talk: Lymphedema Jodi Steele, PT, co-presented with the CLF

Dr. Keast was joined by Bonnie Smith, HCA and Certified Garment Fitter, and moderator Anne Shantz for a presentation exploring the relationship between venous leg ulcers and lymphedema. Together, they discussed barriers to care, opportunities for improved management of both conditions, and potential policy implications.

Lower Extremity Lymphedema and Skin Breakdown – Focus on Footcare Dr. David Keast Canadian Podiatric Medical Association Webinar Series Dr. Keast’s presentation highlighted the critical connection between chronic edema and foot health. He discussed how undiagnosed and untreated edema can lead to serious complications, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and management. His talk provided key insights for podiatrists, reinforcing the role of interdisciplinary care in improving patient outcomes.

Wellspring Niagara

Chronic Edema Clinical Challenge

Jodi provided insights into risk reduction, signs and symptoms, and treatment options for lymphedema. She presented on the latest research on exercise related to lymphedema. The CLF co-facilitated the presentation and distributed local, provincial, and national resources.

Dr. David Keast Wound Care Niagara, Wound Care: Back To Basics This presentation explored the diagnosis and treatment of lower extremity lymphedema, highlighting updated prevalence data and best practices for clinical management.

18 | Education Initiatives

Education Initiatives An estimated 1.25 million+ Canadians are impacted by lymphedema/ chronic edema and most of these Canadians remain undiagnosed and/or untreated.

In Canada there is a need for more physicians and healthcare workers to diagnose and treat individuals living with lymphedema. Patients require comprehensive understanding of lymphedema, including what it is, how it affects their body, how to effectively communicate about their condition with their healthcare team, and how to advocate for their needs.

Recognizing these gaps, the CLF has strategically partnered with other organizations to develop programs and resources aimed at addressing these critical education and awareness needs and bridging existing disparities in lymphedema care and education.

The CLF has invested in updating critical educational resources, including Prevalence Data, the Healthcare Education Card, and course content for the University of Alberta's microcredential course, ensuring healthcare professionals have access to the latest information and best practices in lymphedema care.

Canadian Prevalence Data Update In 2024, Dr. David Keast, Dr. Anna Towers, and Marie-Ève Letellier, PhD, CDT – supported by their research teams and CLF Summer Intern Alisha Damji – updated the national prevalence data for lymphedema in Canada.

Their analysis estimates that over 1.25 million Canadians are affected, though the exact number remains uncertain due to limited diagnostic tracking. Comparisons with U.S. data suggest that Canada’s prevalence is likely within a similar range. Further research is urgently needed— particularly related to obesity-associated and venous disorder-related edema—to improve prevalence estimates and inform effective prevention strategies.

Prevalence in Canada 1.25 million for 41.5 million population Canadian Lymphedema Framework 2024

Chronic Edema Related to Venous Disease (Prevalence Undetermined) Obesity-Related 690,000

Cancer-Related 350,000

Disabilities/Chair-Bound 113,000

Surgeries, Non-Cancer 83,000

Primary Lymphedema 21,000

19 | Education Initiatives

Understanding the prevalence and impact of lymphedema is crucial for ensuring proper healthcare resources and support. Yet, chronic edema/lymphedema remains underrecognized and undertreated, with key questions still unanswered—how should it be defined, diagnosed, and measured? There is no international consensus on classification, and early-stage cases are often overlooked. While current estimates focus on established cases, individuals with early signs also require preventive care and treatment to improve outcomes. More research and standardized guidelines are essential to addressing these gaps.

Mean incidence of cancer-related lymphedema from systematic reviews All Cancers: 17.2% Breast Cancer: 17% Melanoma: 9% Gynecological: 25% Uterine, Cervical, Vulvar, Ovarian

Genitourinary:

Healthcare Professional Education Card Following the update to Canada's prevalence data, the CLF also revised its Healthcare Professional Education Card to reflect the latest findings. This was originally developed through the CLF as an education tool aimed at physicians to provide best practice recommendations for the identification and treatment of lymphedema.

While originally developed for a print circulation project, this valuable resource has now been digitized and made available for viewing and download online.

The Healthcare Professionals Education Card has since been viewed by over 1000 users with over 200 downloads.

Patient Education Pamphlet The patient education pamphlet has been a valuable resource for individuals living with lymphedema and their caregivers. Since its redesign in 2024, the CLF has distributed over 15,000 copies across Canada.

This resource is available at in-person events and can be shipped in bulk across Canada at a low cost, ensuring widespread access to essential information.

11%

Prostate, Bladder, Penile

Sarcoma: 30% Head and Neck: 60%

Reference: Letellier et al 2024 Learn more: tinyURL.com/LE-Prevalence

20 | Education Initiatives

University of Alberta Lymphedema & Chronic Edema Management Course

Healthcare Professional and Patient Lymphedema Education Presentations

With guidance from our partners at the U-of-A, the CLF has updated the course to ensure it reflects the latest research, treatments, and best practice recommendations. Our commitment is to keep the course continuously updated to provide the most current and reliable information.

The CLF has updated and enhanced our Healthcare Professional and Patient Education PowerPoint presentations. As part of our education initiative, we aim to empower lymphedema clinicians across Canada by providing them with the tools and resources needed to educate others. This downloadable and editable resource allows educators to customize the content to best suit their audience, ensuring effective and impactful learning.

This past year, we have welcomed 45 students from 6 provinces and 1 territory (ON, BC, AB, QC, PE, NS, YK).

To date, 175 health professionals in total have completed this course.

Health Professionals Toolkit This resource has been developed in collaboration with our Education Working Group. Currently, with over 110 subscribers across Canada, this toolkit provides: Lymphedema assessment tools and related case studies by fellow lymphedema professionals PowerPoint slides, presentations, and patient photographs to support lymphedema education efforts Selected lymphedema articles, such as research reviews and video presentations by leading experts

IMD Health Through our partnership with IMD Health, high quality educational materials are easily accessible for healthcare providers to reference and implement in their daily practice.

The CLF has updated our profile to include the latest data and best practices for lymphedema. Resources that were added to our profile include the: Canadian Prevalence Data, Healthcare Professional Education Card, and the U of A Microcourse: Lymphedema and Chronic Edema Management.

This year, the CLF partnered with the Lymphedema Association of Ontario and the Alberta Lymphedema Association, with IMD Health to launch a successful Lymphedema Awareness Campaign to all 17,500 users, which featured the updated prevalence data and the new healthcare professionals education card.

21 | Education Initiatives

Lymphedema Learning Library Online The Lymphedema Learning Library remains one of our most frequently referenced resources, providing readers with tailored, evidence-based information on lymphedema care and management. Recognizing the growing need for accessible, organized information, we have expanded the library to now include over 14 topics, each with a selection of related learning content.

The CLF uses the online platform ISSUU to curate digital stacks of previous Pathways articles and CLF-developed resource handouts for free, digital access to the public.

These curated collections cover a range of specialized topics, ensuring that patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can easily find the most relevant and up-todate information to support their needs.

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Pediatric Lymphedema

Living With Lymphedema

Lower Extremity, Foot (Venous, Skin, Wound)

Lymphatic Surgery

Head and Neck Lymphedema

Introduction to Lymphedema

Melanoma and Lymphedema

Lipedema Awareness

Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Obesity and Lymphedema

We have also used this opportunity to partner with organizations like Obesity Canada and Melanoma Canada to increase awareness of lymphedema to their audiences.

Over the past year, we have added nine new stacks, further expanding our Lymphedema Learning Library, which continues to grow as a valuable resource for our community.

To visit our Lymphedema Learning Library, visit: issuu.com/canadianlymphedemaframework/stacks

22 | Research Update

Research Update We support and help amplify research initiatives that advance understanding, improve care, and enhance the lives of those living with lymphedema.

Chapter 13: Best Practice Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Wounds Related to Lower Limb Lymphedema David Keast, in collaboration with, Janet Kuhnke, Ranjani Somayaji, Laurie Parsons, Jeff Wang, Robyn Evans, Catharine Bowman, Karen Laforet, Tracy Lillington, and Anna Towers, contributed to a 51-page chapter on lymphedema to the Best Practice Recommendations published by Wounds Canada.

This chapter explains the importance of lower limb assessment and the early identification of lymphedema and the integrated teams that are required in order to support a patients holistic health and wellness. This chapter sheds light on The Wound Prevention and Management Cycle and how that clearly demonstrates that early assessment, treatment and life-long management are essential.

Read Chapter | DOI: 10.56885/ZIRU3852

Lymphedema Prevalence Data Update for Canada In 2024, Dr. David Keast, Dr. Anna Towers, and Dr. MarieEve Letellier, with help from their colleagues, updated the prevalence data for lymphedema in Canada, estimating that over 1.25 million Canadians are affected. However, limited diagnostic data makes it difficult to determine exact figures. Comparisons with U.S. data suggest that Canada’s numbers are likely similar.

Despite its widespread impact, lymphedema remains underrecognized and undertreated, with no global consensus on diagnosis or classification.

Early-stage cases are often overlooked, delaying preventive care and treatment. More research and standardized guidelines are needed, particularly in understanding obesityrelated and venous disorder-associated edema, to improve prevalence estimates and guide healthcare resource allocation and prevention efforts.

23 | Research Update

LANA Summit Forward Momentum: Futures Steps in Lymphedema Management

Anna Kennedy, Editor of Pathways, published an interview with Julie Hunley and Cheryl Brunelle, two of the original authors of Evidence Based Risk Reduction Recommendations for people at risk or with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

In 2023, the American Cancer Society and LANA hosted Forward Momentum: Future Steps in Lymphedema Management. This landmark event brought together 70 international experts, including 8 Canadian clinicians, to address advancements in lymphedema care, focusing on incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and risk management.

In Pathways, we featured the revised Risk-Based Evidence Cards, designed for healthcare professionals and patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema or those at risk of developing it. We also encouraged our readers—both patients and healthcare professionals—to go beyond the abstract and explore the full research papers and consensus documents for a deeper understanding.

From this event, 13 research papers and consensus statements offer evidence-based insights and recommendations for both surgical and conservative management strategies were published.

As a result, the Pathways Editorial Board promoted the recently published research from the LANA Summit along various themes. Pathways published the first of a series of interviews in the 2025 Spring Issue with some of the authors who were involved, discussing the process, but more importantly, soliciting their ideas of how to translate this new knowledge into clinical practice.

This publication underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and lays the foundation for future innovation in lymphedema care.

DOI Registered The Canadian Lymphedema Framework is pleased to announce that it has become a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) registrant, gaining the ability to assign DOIs to selected Pathways articles. This milestone marks a significant step in enhancing the visibility and credibility of our published work.

DOIs are a standardized and permanent identifier used widely in academic publishing to ensure research is easily discoverable, citable, and accessible over time.

By assigning DOIs, we are strengthening the integrity and reach of the research and clinical insights shared through Pathways, supporting the advancement of knowledge in lymphedema care and management on both national and international levels.

24 | Pathways Magazine

Pathways Magazine Pathways is an official publication of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework. It is Canada’s only lymphedema magazine and addresses the need for lymphedema awareness and education among patients, those at risk, and health professionals.

2024 / 2025 Pathways Published The CLF published and distributed four issues of Pathways: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring to 2000+ subscribers and 12,000+ readers each issue.

...The CLF has set an important example of how a new lymphedema framework can work with existing lymphedema patient and clinical organizations to unite in one voice for furthering lymphedema care in Canada.”

– Christine Moffatt, PhD, Chair of the International Lymphedema Framework

Pathways Content Contributors to Pathways include dedicated opinion experts in the field of lymphedema who help advance topics that address the critical issue of lymphedema care. Topics include: Clinical Perspectives

Ask the Expert

Therapist Perspectives

Advocacy

Research Perspectives

Education

Patient Perspectives

Helpful Suggestions

Compression Garments

25 | Pathways Magazine

Readers From Around the World The CLF’s reach has grown substantively through its online distribution of Pathways magazine, with readership emerging across Canada and internationally.

Austria Australia Belgium Brazil Canada Czechia Cyprus Denmark France Germany Ireland Lebanon Netherlands

New Zealand Portugal Singapore Spain South Africa South Korea Sweden Switzerland Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States

Pathways is circulated in 26 countries.

26 | Our Partnerships

Our Partnerships

International Lymphedema Organizations

Our work would not be possible without the support and collaboration of our provincial lymphedema associations, partner organizations, sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors, and donors.

Thank you for standing with us.

Provincial Associations Partner Organizations

27 | Our Supporters

2024-2025 Canadian Lymphedema Framework Sponsors

2024-2025 Donors: Bev Lanning Adam Jamkhou Anna Kennedy Janice Block Anna Towers Ralph Peters Stephen Kelland Benoît Cartier Fran Mowbray Judy Douglas Larysa Bondalevich Joyce MacKay Avril Jensen Gregory Alix

Kathleen McManus Sandi McConnach Cheryl O’Brien Carolyn Anglin David Dickie Cathy McPherson Tracy Campbell Pamela Hodgson Donna Gushue Rebecca Wilkinson Laurie Schell Joni Jensen Remember When Home Care

The CLF would like to acknowledge the many anonymous donations that we have received throughout the past year.

2024-2025 Pathways Advertisers Bauerfeind Juzo Solventum Essity Medi Wear Ease Inc. Lymphology Skincare L&R Canada LANA Klose Training Foldi Klinik Sigvaris Canada OrthoMed

Canadian Orthopaedic Supply (Solidea) Paradigm Medical Care-Med, Soft Touch Mastectomy Dr. Vodder School International ACOLS Academy of Lymphatic Studies ILWTI Lymphatic Lifestyle Solutions Lipedema Guru Linotrade Ltd. Norton School Prairie Wear InBody Canada Wounds Canada Canada Cares

k n Tha u!

Yo

Visit our website canadalymph.ca to learn about our mission and vision and the work we do in partnership with our provincial lymphedema associations, partner organizations and the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF).

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CANADIAN LYMPHEDEMA FRAMEWORK EDUCATION. RESEARCH. PARTNERSHIPS.