help fund vital lymphoedema research and Care
Lymphoedema is a disease that occurs when the lymphatic system doesn’t function correctly, it's thought to affect over 200,000 people in the UK. The lymphatic system is the body’s drainage and recycling system, and forms part of the body’s natural defences for fighting infection.
Lymph is the body’s fluid. It is drained from body tissues by lymphatic vessels, which are similar to veins, and transported to the lymph nodes situated in the neck, armpit and groin. When the lymphatic system fails, lymph fluid collects under the skin to cause visible swelling known as lymphoedema. Infections are a common complication and can be life threatening.
There are two types of Lymphoedema; Primary Lymphoedema, a genetic condition which usually develops during infancy, adolescence or early adulthood and is thought to affect 1 in 6000 people in the UK. Secondary Lymphoedema is much more common and is caused by damage to the lymphatic system which can happen often during cancer treatments, 2 in 10 people with Breast Cancer will develop Lymphoedema.
Due to a lack of research funding, there is a poor understanding of how the lymphatic system works and what it does to prevent and overcome diseases. This lack of research funding for lymphatic diseases needs to be addressed urgently, so that awareness is increased and new treatments are developed.
How your support will make a difference
Lymphoedema affects millions, yet remains one of the least understood conditions in healthcare.
Your donation powers St George’s internationally recognised experts to push research forward and improve awareness and care for every patient who needs us.
- Interdisciplinary Research – Your support helps different experts work together. This collaboration leads to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and real improvements in the daily lives of people living with lymphoedema and other lymphatic conditions.
- Patient Support & Guidance - Supporting the whole person, not just the condition. Your support can help provide education, practical guidance, and emotional support to empower people living with lymphoedema to manage their condition and improve daily life.
- Clinical Trials & Treatment Innovation - Turning research into real-world solutions. Carefully designed clinical trials help improve existing therapies and test new approaches, with the goal of delivering safer, more effective treatments that meaningfully improve patients’ quality of life.
