March is Lymphedema Awareness Month. Learn how you can help raise awareness about this chronic condition that we are dedicated to helping people manage. Each year in the month of March, physicians, caregivers, advocacy groups, and companies come together to increase awareness for a condition known as lymphedema. Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of lymph fluid that can cause swelling in the arms, legs, and other areas of the body. The chronic condition is fast-moving, and there is currently no cure.
An estimated 5-10 million people in the United States are affected by lymphedema, part of approximately 150-250 million affected worldwide. Many industry analysts believe that these numbers – especially the U.S. figures – may be underestimated, as until recently the condition has been widely under diagnosed. Thanks to Lymphedema Awareness Month in March and countless efforts by advocates spanning the patient base and the medical community, lymphedema is becoming more understood, diagnosed, and treated.
World Lymphedema Day, in its eighth year, is also celebrated on March 6. This annual advocate-driven celebration was established by the United States Senate in response to a bill written by the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). LE&RN has grown to become one of the world’s most foremost lymphedema advocacy groups, even growing substantially on the international stage.
Actor Kathy Bates is one of LE&RN’s national spokespeople. She supports LE&RN on various advocacy fronts, as she is a breast cancer survivor living with lymphedema. Watch one of her videos, see what events are taking place this month, and find out what LE&RN and others are doing to promote World Lymphedema Day.
Our team at AIROS helps raise awareness every March through social media outreach, content creation, interaction with LE&RN and other advocacy groups, and discussions among our employees and their friends and families. Below is a helpful infographic we put together last year. We’ve also written about Lymphedema Awareness Month in earlier blog entries.
There are various events taking place this month across the country. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to get involved and help raise awareness, please contact us immediately.
