10 quick facts on lymphoma

Worldwide, approximately one million people live with lymphoma. At the same time, less than 50% of the population know about this potentially life-threatening disease.

On World Lymphoma Awareness Day (15 September), we highlight a few important facts:

1. Lymphomas are cancers that develop in the lymph system, which is part of the body's immune system.
2. Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer diagnosed in adults and the third most common cancer diagnosed in children.
3. The different sub-types of lymphoma are divided into two main types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (or Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
4. Worldwide, over 62 000 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma every year. Of those, 60% are male and 40% are female. Approximately 25 000 people die every year from this disease.
5. While the exact cause of lymphoma remains unknown, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs much more frequently in HIV-infected people than in the general population.
6. There are some indications that certain chemicals, such as insecticides and wood-preserving materials, are linked to this form of cancer.
7. Lymphoma often causes fever and night sweats. Further lymphoma symptoms depend on which areas of the body are affected, for example the neck, groin or underarm area.
8. Lymphoma may be treated with chemotherapy and lymphoma involving the brain may be treated with radiation therapy.
9. Effectiveness of treatment depends on the particular cell characteristics of the lymphoma, its location, and how much it has spread, as well as the strength of your immune system.
10. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improves the outcome of the disease.
    
    Sources: Lymphoma Research Foundation (www.lymphoma.org) and Lymphoma Coalition (www.lymphomacoalition.org)

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