b'altering and sometimes fatal complications 9 . Up to 30% of breast cancer survivors suffer from debilitating lymphedema 10 , as are those treated for prostate 11 , ovarian 12 , head and neck 13cancers, and melanoma 14 . U.S. Veterans suffering trauma, infection 15 , or burn pit exposure are also at risk 16 .Lymphatic dysfunctionhas been further demonstrated to play a key role in the pathophysiology of common chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart failure (HF) 17inflammatory bowel disease 18 , asthma, chronic liver disease (CLD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), HIV, sepsis, hepatitis, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), neuro- degenerative disease, glaucoma, transplant rejection, and autoimmune disease. In developing countries, filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema.In developed nations, breast cancer and cancer treatmentare usually the precipitating factors. Evidence suggests that, particularly in the case of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), implementing a prospective surveillance model of care for screening, early diagnosis, and intervention can reverse or impedethe progression of lymphedema from the subclinicalto the clinical phase, ultimately ;the goal of preventing advancement to the irreversible chronic phase 19 . Despite its critical importance, the lymphatic system has often been underappreciated, mainly due to its largely invisible nature. This has resulted in individuals at risk of or living with lymphatic disease suffering without timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments. However, there is now a growing awareness of the significance of lymphatic medicine, thanks to the efforts of a passionate community, including those living with lymphedema or lymphatic disease, their family and friends, researchers, clinicians, and patient advocacy organizations such as LE&RN. The fieldof lymphatic medicine has never been more poisedfor major growth as government and private sector funding agencies internationally are finally recognizing its importance. Accepting the status quo in theearly detection and treatment of lymphedema and lymphatic disease is not acceptable and we mustdo better through dissemination of knowledge, experience, and education.This document, developed in collaboration withclinical specialists across the globe, is a standardized approach for the diagnosis and management of lymphedema and lymphatic disease. Its purpose is to provide healthcare professionals with guidelines for preventive measures and delivering consistent and effective care to individuals living with lymphaticFigure 1. The Lymphatic Systemdisease, in alignment with the mission objectives of LE&RNs Centers of Excellence (COE). By promoting knowledge dissemination, sharing experiences,and advancing education, we aim to improve early detection and treatment of lymphatic diseases, ultimately enhancing the well-being of millionsof individuals affected by these conditions. | Standardized Approach for the Diagnosis and Management of Lymphedema (LE) and Lymphatic Diseases (LD)|8'