Lymphoedema

This section covers cancer-related lymphoedema, a possible side effect of cancer and some cancer treatments. Learn what lymphoedema is, its causes, how to recognise signs early and how it can be managed.

Cover image for the fact sheet Understanding Lymphoedema
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This information was last updated in September 2026. See who reviewed this content.

All updated content has been clinically reviewed by A/Prof Louise Koelmeyer, Director, Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Centre, Associate Professor, Macquarie University, NSW. This fact sheet is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Prof John Boyages AM, Founding Director and Honorary Professor at the ALERT Centre, Macquarie University, NSW; Dr Nicola Fearn, Occupational Therapist and Accredited Lymphoedema Therapist, The Lymphoedema Clinic Wollongong, and Senior Research Officer, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, NSW; Jennifer Gilbert, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Lymphoedema, Icon Cancer Centre, Chermside, QLD; Megan Howard, Senior Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Dr Amanda Pigott, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapy, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Prof Neil Piller, Director, Lymphoedema Clinical Research Unit, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, SA, and Patron, Lymphoedema Association Australia; Ashlynne Pointon, Consumer; Dr Cathie Poliness, Breast Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Tara Redemski, Senior Physiotherapist – Cancer and Blood Disorders, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD.

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