March 6th marks an important date for a cause that is often overlooked, yet affects millions of people worldwide. Held annually, World Lymphedema Day (WLD) is dedicated to raising awareness about Lymphedema.
Lymphedema is caused by an imbalance between fluid production and transport by the lymphatic system. This imbalance can be either caused by reduced transport capacity of the lymphatic system or too much fluid production and leads to swelling associated with tissue changes (skin thickening, fat deposition). Its main common complication is the increased risk of developing cellulitis/erysipelas in the affected area, which can worsen the lymphatic function and can be the cause of raised morbidity of the patient if not treated correctly/urgently.
It is estimated that 250 million people of all ages and genders worldwide are affected by lymphedema, yet it is still poorly known and understood. The incidence and prevalence of primary lymphedema is estimated at 500 million people within the European Union with approximately 6 million newborns annually. There is currently no cure and daily and constant management is needed to prevent progression of the disease.
This year, 26 European patient organizations have joined forces to raise the profile of the disease across Europe. Some of these patient organizations are members of the VASCERN Pediatric and Primary Lymphedema European Patient Advocacy Group (ePAG). These organizations have co-signed the 2024 manifesto, a document that resonates with determination and hope for lymphedema patients. The Manifesto, available in several languages, serves as a powerful call to action to bring much-needed attention to the struggles of lymphedema patients and the need for improved medical support and research.
In a coordinated effort to make the manifesto’s messages resonate even further, 10 patient advocates from 8 countries shared each part of the manifesto in their native languages. The video further conveys the urgency of the situation.
Support the Lymphedema patient community by learning more about Lymphedema and educating your community. The more you know, the better you can raise awareness. Our Pediatric and Primary Lymphedema Working Group has several resources to help your understanding of Lymphedema.