The National Lymphoedema Framework Project

The National Lymphoedema Framework Project originated from an epidemiology study (Moffatt et al, 2003) carried out in South West London, which identified that lymphoedema is a significant but unrecognised problem. Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling arising from the accumulation of protein-rich fluid that would otherwise drain via the lymphatic system. It can be grossly disfiguring, and is associated with cancer and its treatment, particularly breast cancer, but it can occur for other reasons, such as trauma or parasitic infection, or it may be primary in origin (Fig 1). The main aim of the project is to provide sufficient evidence to persuade policy-makers that lymphoedema is a major problem that is currently under-resourced and for which national guidance for management is required.