LYMPHO NEWS

Dear friends,

It is great to hear about new National Frameworks, such as the recently launched Bulgarian Lymphedema Framework (see below), as well as the work of other Frameworks. In fact, a delegation from the ILF is now in Saudi Arabia for the first LIMPRINT study being undertaken by the Saudi Arabia Framework and first national conference for healthcare professionals and a patient conference. Such developments help patients to have a voice and improve access to the care they need, as well as raising awareness and knowledge of lymphatic diseases globally.

As you know, plans are well underway for the ILF conference in Nottingham, UK this June. As well as the main plenary sessions with international speakers, there are also practical Skills Zones looking at areas such as genital oedema, compression solutions, and MLD and scar massage. All framework members get a discount to attend — look out on your local framework’s social media for discount codes and more details will be on the ILF website later this week. It would be lovely to see you all there. The call for abstracts is open — a great way to share innovative work, research and projects that are happening globally. So, please look at the categories and we are also, of course, very happy to receive abstracts from patients and patient associations. Full details can be found at: www.lympho.org/abstract-submissions.  

As always, please keep us updated with your news — it is great to hear and is important.

With best wishes from
Christine Moffatt CBE and the ILF Board of Directors

ILF 2023 Conference in Nottingham, UK

Bulgarian Lymphedema Framework

The ILF are delighted to announce the launch of the Bulgarian Lymphedema Framework (https://lymphoedema-bg.org). This is managed by the Bulgarian non-profit patient organisation — Bulgarian Lymphedema Association. The goal of the Bulgarian Lymphedema Framework is to work to improve the management of lymphedema and related diseases in Bulgaria, while also contributing to global international progress in the development of care for this disease.

The launch follows a recent visit by Christine Moffatt and Susan Norregaard to Bulgaria, during which they had the opportunity to sit down with patients to discuss their problems and gain an understanding of the extent of the disease in Bulgaria. As Petya Stoycheva said, ‘As a result of this meeting, we found allies in physicians with whom we can continue to work together to improve the care of lymphedema patients. We have found like-minded people to join the LIMPRINT study, so that we can show the extent of the disease in our country. This is an important step forward for us’.

Survey

Here at the ILF we are keen to capture the perspectives and needs of patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema in relation to compression sleeves to improve the design of a research project on developing smart textiles for treating breast cancer-related lymphoedema. So, please get involved by taking part in this short survey with your patients.

Date for your diary

EWMA 2023
33rd conference of EWMA will take place 3–5 May in Milan, Italy. For further information, visit: https://ewma.org/ewma-conferences/2023

Industry support

The work of the ILF would not be possible without industry support. We thank the ILF Industry Partners for their continued engagement and support.

Learn more

Sign up to become an ILF Affiliate — it’s completely free and will ensure you stay informed about the goals and activities of the ILF and the work of our national frameworks around the world. ILF Affiliates benefit from:

· Reduced fees at future conferences
· Regular updates on activities and resources
· Opportunities to network with national lymphoedema frameworks
· Opportunities to influence future activities and direction.

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