World Lymphoma Awareness Day

Published at 15 September, 2021.

Lymphoma is the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK, it can occur at any age, even in children,. It is nearly always treatable, most people live for many years after being diagnosed with lymphoma. 

World Lymphoma Awareness Day falls on the 15th September, this is an annual campaign to raise awareness and help people recognise the signs and symptoms.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. If you have lymphoma, your lymphocytes divide in an abnormal way or do not die when they should. The abnormal lymphocytes build up, usually in lymph nodes in your armites, neck or groin, however they can collect in almost any part of your body.

The symptoms to watch out for are:

Losing weight but don’t know why?
Feeling worn out for no reason?
A lump in your neck, armpit or groin?
Itching all the time but don’t know why?
Drenched in sweat during the night?

Every 27 minutes, a friend or loved one in the UK is diagnosed with lymphoma. If you recognise any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor for their opinion.

Overall, smokers tend to have a 40% higher risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. The risk was higher among current smokers than among those who have quit smoking. The risk reduces to the same level as non-smokers about 10 years after quitting. 

Childhood Hodgkin lymphoma doesn’t have an increased risk if the mother smoked during pregnancy. There are many reasons why a pregnant woman shouldn’t smoke, raising the risk of Hodgkin lymphoma doesn’t seem to be one.

If you are worried about lymphoma and any cancers, stopping smoking is a great way to reduce your risk.

There are many ways we can help:

Quit online - https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/pages/quit-online

Our online quit tool will allow you to create your own personal profile and will support you on a daily basis through your quit journey.

Telephone support - our advisors are on hand to answer any questions or provide additional support as you need it. You can call 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166.

Visit our frequently asked questions section to find out more: https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/frequently-asked-questions