Professor John Boyages AM

Radiation Oncologist. Breast Cancer & Lymphoedema Specialist. Author. Advocate. Helping patients take control – through care, knowledge and experience.

With over 40 years of clinical experience, Professor John Boyages AM is a recognised leader in breast cancer treatment and survivorship care. He’s known not only for his expertise in complex cases – including lymphoedema, breast conservation, DCIS and advanced radiation techniques – but for his deeply personal, empathetic approach.

Driven by the belief that knowledge empowers, John has spent his career helping patients take control of their treatment and their lives. That mission continues in his latest book.

Lymphoedema: Taking Control

A practical guide for patients, carers and clinicians

Lymphoedema is often underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and left untreated.Lymphoedema: Taking Control gives people the clarity and confidence to better understand, manage, and live with the condition. This plain-English comprehensive guide combines expert insight with evidence-based prevention, diagnosis, and long-term care strategies.

Inside, you’ll find:

Causes, symptoms, and early warning signs
Current treatment options and when to seek help
Tips for daily management and self-care
Inspiring patient stories and recovery journeys
Full-colour diagrams and practical tools

Whether you’re living with lymphoedema, treating patients, or supporting a loved one, this book is an invaluable resource.

Print Books

AUSTRALIA $A 39.99

WORLD – STANDARD COLOUR $US 22.99

WORLD – PREMIUM COLOUR $US 36.99

eBook

Lymphoedema TAKING CONTROL

Lymphoedema is a distressing condition that can occur after cancer treatment, leaving patients with swelling as an obvious reminder of their journey. This book provides practical guidance on preventing, diagnosing and managing lymphoedema. The book covers causes, early detection, treatment options and emotional effects, and debunks common myths. While focused on the arm and breast, its advice can apply to other areas. This essential guide is intended for patients, caregivers, lymphoedema therapists and other health professionals.

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 book is a comprehensive and compassionate resource that makes lymphoedema management accessible to both patients and healthcare professionals. It reflects Professor Boyages’ ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with the knowledge and practical tools they need to take control of their condition.”

Associate Professor Louise Koelmeyer

PhD, Director of the ALERT Centre

“This is an excellent book that explains lymphoedema in an easy-to-understand way for the patient. It must be translated to other languages!”

Professor Håkan Brorson

Founding Director of the Lymphedema Unit at Skåne University Hospital 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

ABOUTJohn Boyages

Professor Boyages currently treats patients at ICON Cancer Centres in Wahroonga, Norwest, and Gosford and advises on complex breast cancer cases around the country. He’s the founding director of the internationally recognised ALERT Centre at Macquarie University and has authored five books in the Taking Control series.

A Harvard-trained specialist, he founded the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, BreastScreen Western Sydney and the ALERT lymphoedema centre. John has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to breast cancer care.

More than anything, John believes in treating people – not just their diagnosis. His work is grounded in empathy, science, and the belief that patients deserve to feel informed, heard and supported.

ORDER THE BOOK Lymphoedema: Taking Control

Is available now in paperback and digital editions.

by John Boyages (Author)

Print Books

AUSTRALIA $A 39.99

WORLD – STANDARD COLOUR $US 22.99

WORLD – PREMIUM COLOUR $US 36.99

eBook