“All edema is lymphedema” is one of the new things I learned partnering with BC Cancer to present on lymphedema at the BC Cancer summit on November 20, 2025. The topic was expanding access to lymphedema care with topics of:
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Lymphedema assessment and medical management
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Head and neck lymphedema treatment
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Upper and lower extremity lymphedema treatment
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Development of handouts for self-measuring arms and legs at risk of developing lymphedema. (This is available on our website here:
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BCLA and BC Cancer goals for lymphedema care.
Presenters from BC Cancer included:
Dr. Lauren Capozzi, MD, PhD, Cancer Physiatrist – Kelowna
Lisa Kuhn, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) – Victoria
Stefanie Del Gobbo, Sarah Budding Smith – Physiotherapists – Vancouver
Both Christine Chandler and myself shared our patient stories and what BCLA offers.
We are currently in the planning stages for the May 8th, 2026 Lymphedema Education Day for professionals where you can learn more about what was presented at the BC Cancer Summit.
BC Cancer and BCLA share the same goals for improving lymphedema care in BC and it will be an exciting year ahead to see progress in the following areas:
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Provision of online tools and protocols for practitioners and lymphedema patients
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Standardized practitioner training in lymphedema
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Early diagnosis of lymphedema
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Pre-screening and measuring of both limbs prior to surgery and post treatment follow up
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Patient education for self-management once diagnosed.
Interestingly at lunch, we met the BC Cancer librarian from Victoria, Lorraine Leitz, who shared with us how to search the BC Cancer library site to find information on Lymphedema as they have great resources to share.
In checking out their site, I also came across a link to all the clinical trials underway for lymphedema – lots of great information.
To find the current pre-screening measurement tools as well as links to research, check out our Resources\Health Professional Resources page on our website.
Of course, at BC Lymphedema Association, we will continue to advocate for those affected by lymphedema that have not had cancer.
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