What is socially just lymphedema care? The role and responsibilities of individuals and organizations.
This article explores what socially just lymphedema care requires and outlines the shared responsibilities of individuals, clinicians, and health organizations in advancing equity. Drawing on lived experience and research in health and social justice, it illustrates how inequities—such as income, weight bias, racism, colonialism, gender identity, and sexuality—shape the risk, diagnosis, and management of lymphedema in Canada. Key gaps in Canadian research are identified, along with opportunities for more trauma-informed, weight-neutral, culturally and structurally competent care. The article calls for coordinated action across clinical practice, institutions, and policy to support fairness, access, and better outcomes for all people living with lymphedema.
How to cite: Brady, J. What is socially just lymphedema care? The role and responsibilities of individuals and organizations. Pathways. 2025;15(1): 15-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70472/RAPW4552
Keywords: Socially just healthcare. Lymphedema. Patient perspectives
This article was published in Pathways, the quarterly print and online publication of the Canadian Lymphedema Framework. The most recent 8 issues of Pathways are available to subscribers only. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT THIS LINK TO READ.
