Men's Perceptions of Non‐Cancer Related Lymphoedema: A Qualitative Diary Study

TL;DR

This study explores how men in the UK experience and manage non-cancer-related lymphoedema, focusing on how it affects their sense of masculinity and daily lives.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel exploration of how hegemonic masculinity influences men's experiences of living with non-cancer-related lymphoedema.

Findings

Men often conceal their condition and experience emotional strain due to stigma and misunderstanding.

Participants used routines to regain control and maintain a sense of masculine identity.

Some men redefined masculinity through reflection and relational support, while others upheld traditional traits like stoicism.

Abstract

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by lymphatic dysfunction, resulting in persistent swelling. Although men are significantly affected, their experiences, particularly regarding masculine identity, remain underexplored. This UK‐based study examined how men live with non‐cancer‐related lymphoedema, drawing on hegemonic masculinity and the Health, Illness, Men, and Masculinities (HIMM) framework. A qualitative narrative inquiry was conducted with 12 men who completed solicited diaries over 2 weeks. Thematic and structural analyses identified one overarching theme—vulnerability—and two subthemes: lymphoedema as a constant reminder of disruption, and routine as a means of control and masculine continuity. Participants described concealment, emotional strain, and social withdrawal, especially in response to stigma and misunderstanding in public and clinical settings. Many developed routines to regain autonomy, preserve identity, and express competence. Some upheld traditional masculine traits such as stoicism, while others redefined masculinity through reflection, disclosure, or relational support. These findings show how men negotiate identity in the context of chronic illness and adapt to long‐term self‐management. The study highlights the need for gender‐sensitive care that recognizes how masculinities shape the lived experience of lymphoedema.