Physiotherapists who want to find out more about treating lymphoedema can attend five free seminars next week during Lymphoedema Awareness Week, which runs from 3-7 March.

The British Lymphology Society (BLS) has announced it is to run a lunchtime webinar on each weekday next week, which are aimed at healthcare professionals, patients and the public. The series begins on Monday with a presentation and Q&A co-led by Kristiana Gordon, a consultant in dermatology and lymphovascular medicine at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Dr Gordon will be joined by BLS trustee Margaret Sneddon at the session on 3 March, which runs from 12-12.45pm. Together they will discuss topics such as

• our lymphatic system is vital to life/health – what it does
• what happens when something goes wrong with the drainage system and why this might happen?
• can we keep our lymphatic system healthy and what to do if we think there is a problem?
• what information and help is available for people with lymphoedema and health care professionals?

The lymphatic system

The duo’s presentation is titled ‘What everyone needs to know about the lymphatic system and lymphoedema! The lymphatic system – vital for health but ignored until it goes wrong. We can help!’

Dr Gordon, who was awarded a doctorate in primary healthcare professionals, patients and the public in 2014, leads the clinical team at St George’s Hospital’s lymphoedema service, which cares for thousands of patients with primary and secondary lymphoedema across the UK. Her research interests are focused on the rapidly developing field of lymphovascular medicine and lipoedema.

Tuesday’s speaker is Katie Riches, a nurse by background, whose presentation is titled ‘Lymphoedema: Still a problem after breast cancer treatment?’ Dr Riches will discuss why lymphoedema continues affect those treated for breast cancer, despite advances in treatment, and plans to explore what patients and those managing their care should know.

World Lymphoedema Day

On Wednesday Matthew Griffiths, a national lymphoedema paediatric and young adult specialist, will lead the third seminar in the series. Dr Griffiths is a member of the national team for the Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network. The title of his presentation is ‘Lymphoedema: Is it a risk after pelvic cancer treatment?’

The risk of lymphoedema following treatment for cancer in the pelvic is not well known: what patients and those managing their care should know.

Compression therapy

Natalie Phillips, a nurse by background from Haddenham Healthcare, is Thursday’s speaker. Her presentation is titled ‘Compression therapy in Lymphoedema: Success or failure? Thursday is also World Lymphoedema Day.

Natalie will give an overview of the types of compression used in the management of lymphoedema. Tips and advice to avoid complications and ensure successful treatment.

Links to skin cancer?

The BLS’s line-up of expert speakers during Lymphoedema Awareness Week, is completed on Friday 7 March when Anusha Panthagani will run a seminar titled: Lymphoedema: is it a risk after skin cancer? Dr Panthagani is a dermatology specialist (with a special interest in lymphoedema) at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.

She will discuss the risk of lymphoedema following treatment for some cancers of the skin are not well known; what patients and those managing their care should know.

For more information and to register for the webinars, see: https://thebls.regfox.com/lymphoedema-awareness-week-2025

Lymphoedema Research Development Grant

BLS members have until 24 March to submit applications for this year’s Lymphoedema Research Development Grant. The new name reflects a broader range of research development opportunities that it can support. Awards of up to £10,000 are available to BLS members to enable them to develop their skills in research and evidence implementation, and to further research into lymphoedema in the UK.

For more information about the grant, see: https://www.thebls.com/documents-library/lymphoedema-research-development-grant