Lymphoedema: Taking Control by John Boyages (Author)
About
From the author of other Taking Control Books: Breast Cancer; DCIS and Male Breast Cancer
Your Complete Guide to Understanding and Managing Lymphoedema
Living with lymphoedema can be challenging, but knowledge and proactive management can make all the difference. In Lymphoedema: Taking Control, the recognised lymphoedema specialist in Sydney, Professor John Boyages AM, empowers patients, carers and clinicians to take charge of this often misunderstood condition.
This essential lymphoedema book provides clear, compassionate guidance on recognising early warning signs, preventing complications like cellulitis in lymphoedema and exploring the latest evidence-based treatments, including complex decongestive therapy (CDT), manual lymphatic drainage MLD, lymphoedema compression garments and even surgical options like lymphoedema liposuction and lymphatic microsurgery.
A Practical Roadmap for Lymphoedema Management
Whether you are newly diagnosed, recovering from cancer treatment or supporting someone with secondary lymphoedema, this book offers expert advice backed by over 40 years of clinical experience.
In Lymphoedema: Taking Control, Professor Boyages breaks down the science and management of lymphoedema into easy-to-understand sections, helping you:
- Identify early symptoms and risk factors
- Prevent cellulitis in lymphoedema through daily care and hygiene routines
- Use compression garments effectively for long-term comfort
- Incorporate lymphoedema exercises into your everyday life
- Understand when complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and manual lymphatic drainage MLD may be recommended
- Explore innovative surgical options, including lymphatic microsurgery and lymphoedema liposuction
Each chapter provides both clinical insights and patient-friendly explanations, giving readers the tools they need to take control of their health journey.
Understanding Lymphoedema After Cancer
Many people develop lymphoedema after cancer treatment, particularly following surgery or radiation that affects lymph nodes. This swelling is not just a physical reminder of the cancer journey; it can also impact mobility, confidence, and quality of life.
Professor Boyages explains how early diagnosis and ongoing lymphoedema management can significantly reduce the risk of progression. With a focus on education, prevention and self-care, Lymphoedema: Taking Control highlights how small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
About the Book – Lymphoedema: Taking Control
A practical guide for patients, carers, and clinicians.
Lymphoedema is often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and left untreated.
Lymphoedema: Taking Control offers readers clarity and confidence through expert insight, real-life experiences, and proven strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and self-care.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Causes, symptoms and early warning signs
- Current treatment options and when to seek help.
- How to prevent cellulitis and recognise warning signs early
- Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) – what it is and how it works
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage MLD – safe and effective techniques
- Using compression garments to control swelling
- Exercise and mobility for better lymph flow
- Emotional well-being and support networks
- New surgical approaches, including lymphatic microsurgery and lymphoedema liposuction
- Inspiring patient stories and recovery journey
This is not just another medical guide; it’s a compassionate companion that bridges the gap between scientific understanding and practical living.
Why This Book Matters
By reading Lymphoedema: Taking Control, you’ll gain clarity on how to manage symptoms, work with your healthcare team and prevent long-term complications.
Professor John Boyages combines decades of research and clinical experience into a single, accessible guide that empowers readers to take charge of their condition physically, emotionally and mentally.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Patients living with primary or secondary lymphoedema
- Cancer survivors seeking to understand post-treatment swelling
- Carers and family members supporting loved ones
- Healthcare professionals (including therapists and nurses) involved in lymphoedema early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with lymphoedema for years, Lymphoedema: Taking Control provides up-to-date strategies to help you live confidently and comfortably.
Each chapter provides easy-to-follow advice, supported by illustrations and patient stories, making it an essential reference for both home and clinic use.
Order Your Copy Today
Start your journey to understanding and managing lymphoedema with confidence.
Order Lymphoedema: Taking Control today from BC Publishing and take the first step toward a healthier, more empowered future.
Reviews
“As a patient of John Boyages, I was so grateful for his professionalism and for the compassion and clarity with which he explained the options available to me during my breast cancer treatment. All these qualities are evident in this wonderfully practical book. John has the unique ability to convey complex medical information in a manner that makes it both digestible and easy to apply for the layperson.”
—Liane Moriarty
Australian author
“This is an excellent book that explains what lymphoedema is in an easy-to-understand way for the patient. It must be translated to other languages! My congratulations!”
—Professor Håkan Brorson
Senior Consultant and Founding Director of the Lymphedema Unit at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,
Skåne University Hospital, Malmö; Department of Clinical Sciences,
Lund University, and Lund University Cancer Centre
“This book is a heartfelt and practical resource for understanding how to take control in the prevention and management of lymphoedema, from screening to compression, exercise, and how to live a full life despite the diagnosis. John breaks down such complex topics into practical advice while keeping the patient central in his every word.”
—Cheryl Brunelle
Associate Director of the Lymphedema Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital
“With a long-term vision and commitment to strategy focused on helping and supporting patients, John Boyages and I have worked together for years to improve lymphoedema care. This book is an essential part of that mission.”
—Associate Professor Louise Koelmeyer
Director of the Australian Lymphoedema Education,
Research and Treatment (ALERT) Centre at Macquarie University
“John Boyages is a leader in the field of lymphoedema treatment. His dedication and expertise shine through in this must-read book for patients and healthcare professionals alike.”
—Clinical Associate Professor Helen Mackie
Medical Lead of the ALERT Centre at Macquarie University
“John has crafted an extraordinary resource for patients and clinicians dealing with breast cancer-related lymphoedema. His focus on empowering patients with knowledge, practical strategies and the latest research makes this book an invaluable guide.”
—Professor Sheila Ridner
Ingram Professor of Nursing,
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
“Lymphoedema: Taking Control is an essential guide for anyone facing lymphoedema or supporting someone through it. John Boyages brings both empathy and expertise to the topic, providing a clear and compassionate roadmap for understanding and managing this complex condition. This book not only addresses the practical aspects of lymphoedema care but also speaks to the emotional challenges patients face. John’s commitment to patient education and his deep understanding of the condition make this book an important resource for patients, families and healthcare providers.”
—Professor Alphonse Taghian
Professor of Radiation Oncology at Harvard Medical School
and Director of the Lymphedema Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital