Cancer-related lymphoedema is a chronic and potentially debilitating complication of cancer treatment that can develop months or even years after diagnosis. Early recognition and intervention can reduce morbidity and improve quality of life, yet many patients remain undiagnosed until symptoms become established.

Medcast medical educator Rebecca Chan will be joined by associate professor Louise Koelmeyer from the Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Program and Sarah Harfield, director of oncology exercise and physiotherapy at LIFT Cancer Care Services, to provide practical, evidence-based guidance on the prevention, early detection and management of cancer-related lymphoedema.

This activity will equip GPs with the knowledge and confidence to identify patients at risk, implement evidence-based prevention and surveillance strategies, recognise early clinical signs, and differentiate lymphoedema from alternative causes of swelling that require urgent investigation.

Using clinical case studies, participants will explore:

• risk factors for cancer-related lymphoedema
• the natural history and staging of lymphoedema
• assessment, examination and investigation strategies
• red flags and important differential diagnoses
• patient education and self-management approaches
• compression therapy and specialist treatment options
• referral pathways and long-term multidisciplinary management

This activity forms part of the GP Cancer Care Hub, a series developed to support general practitioners in delivering high-quality, evidence-based cancer care across the continuum, from prevention and early detection through to survivorship and supportive care. By strengthening GP knowledge and confidence in managing the long-term effects of cancer and its treatment, the series aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer.

Delivered by Medcast in partnership with Lift Cancer Care Services. This Cancer Patient Support Program received grant funding from the Australian Government.