Every year on September 15, the world observes World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD). A movement that started in 2004 to bring this often-overlooked cancer into the spotlight. It’s a day to learn, to support, and most importantly, to remind ourselves that recognising symptoms early can save lives.
Lymphoma is often misunderstood because its symptoms can easily be mistaken for more common illnesses like infections or stress. With over 60 different subtypes, lymphoma can present in many different ways, which makes it less recognisable to the public compared to other cancers. This lack of awareness highlights the importance of WLAD in promoting knowledge and understanding.
Early Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, part of our body’s immune defence. Unlike some cancers with clear warning signs, lymphoma can be subtle and easy to dismiss. Symptoms may include:
These don’t always mean lymphoma, but they do mean it’s time to check in with a doctor.
Understanding Lymphoma: The Silent Threat
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune defense network. It is broadly divided into two main types:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Identified by the presence of large, abnormal cells called Reed–Sternberg cells, HL usually spreads in a predictable pattern from one group of lymph nodes to the next. It is less common but often highly treatable, especially when detected early.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): A diverse group of over 60 subtypes of lymphoma that do not have Reed–Sternberg cells. NHL can start in B cells or T cells and may spread less predictably. Prognosis varies depending on the subtype, but treatment options have advanced greatly in recent years.
Both can present with the same symptoms, which is why awareness and early detection matter for all types.
Why Staying Informed Benefits Everyone
You don’t have to have lymphoma for this day to matter. Here’s why WLAD is relevant to all of us:
- Someone you know could be affected, as lymphoma accounts for approximately 3–4% of all new cancer cases worldwide, according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2020).
- Early detection changes outcomes. The sooner it’s found, the better the chances of successful treatment.
- Awareness creates empathy, by understanding the patient journey helps us support friends, family, and communities.
Join the Movement: World Lymphoma Awareness Day
Everyone can play a role in supporting WLAD. Here are some ways to get involved:
A Day of Hope and Action
World Lymphoma Awareness Day represents much more than a date on the calendar. It embodies a growing global commitment to better understanding lymphoma, supporting those affected, and fighting for a future where early diagnosis and effective treatment are accessible to all.
By learning, sharing, and taking part in WLAD, you become part of this vital movement. Together, we can bring lymphoma out of the shadows and into the light—offering hope, care, and life-saving knowledge to millions.
Reference
- Ferlay, J., Ervik, M., Lam, F., Laversanne, M., Colombet, M., Mery, L., Piñeros, M., Znaor, A., Soerjomataram, I., & Bray, F. (2024). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/34-non-hodgkin-lymphoma-fact-sheet.pdf
- Ferlay, J., Ervik, M., Lam, F., Laversanne, M., Colombet, M., Mery, L., Piñeros, M., Znaor, A., Soerjomataram, I., & Bray, F. (2024). Hodgkin lymphoma. Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/33-hodgkin-lymphoma-fact-sheet.pdf
