Every year on September 15, the global community comes together to observe World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD). This day, which falls during Blood Cancer Awareness Month, is dedicated to raising awareness about lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects millions of people worldwide. It also serves as an important reminder to show support for those affected by this disease, including patients, survivors, caregivers and medical professionals.
The theme of World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2024 is “Time for Some Honest Talk about How We’re Feeling.”
Many people living with lymphoma often hesitate to share their struggles, fearing they might burden others. This year, the lymphoma community is focusing on the importance of being open with your support network. By expressing difficult emotions, individuals can foster stronger bonds with family and friends, deepen their self-awareness and enhance their ability to live fully in the present.
World Lymphoma Awareness Day also aims to highlight the importance of education to help in the early detection of lymphoma as well as the latest advances in treatments.
What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, a part of the body’s immune system. It primarily affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, which play a vital role in fighting infections.
Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer, among the top ten most common cancers in the world, and the sixth most common in the US.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Both types can affect people of any age, but they differ in terms of how they spread and the type of cells involved.
NHL is the most common form of lymphoma, accounting for about 90 percent of diagnosed lymphomas. While HL is most common in young adults 15 to 40 and older adults over 55, NHL is typically diagnosed in older adults over the age of 60.
The five-year relative survival rate for HL is higher than that of NHL. This may be because NHL is often diagnosed at more advanced stages.
There are two main types of NHLs: B-cell lymphomas and T-cell lymphomas, with the former being the most common type of NHL. Specifically, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of NHL, as it accounts for about 30 percent of all cases in the US.
Advances in research and treatment have improved the prognosis for many patients. However, early detection remains critical, which is why awareness campaigns like World Lymphoma Awareness Day are so important.
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Lymphoma Signs and Symptoms
One of the challenges in diagnosing lymphoma is that its symptoms can be vague and often mimic those of other conditions. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Painless swelling in the lymph nodes (neck, armpits or groin)
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Itchy skin
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms for an extended period, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of lymphoma can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Medical advancements, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have made lymphoma one of the more treatable cancers when diagnosed early. However, delayed diagnosis can lead to more advanced stages of the disease, making treatment more complex.
World Lymphoma Awareness Day encourages individuals to educate themselves about the symptoms of lymphoma and the importance of regular health check-ups. It also aims to break the stigma surrounding cancer by fostering open conversations and spreading hope to those affected by the disease.
Related: World Lung Cancer Day 2024: Research Highlights
Advances in Lymphoma Treatment: New Therapies, Clinical Trials
This year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several treatments for various types of lymphomas.
In March, the agency approved Bristol Myers Squibb’s CD-19-directed CAR T-cell therapy Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel; liso-cel) as a third-line treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).
Breyanzi is also approved as a third-line treatment for two other lymphomas, follicular lymphoma (FL) and relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Also in March, the FDA gave the nod to BeiGene’s BTK inhibitor Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) in combination with Roche’s anti-CD20 antibody Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for third-line follicular lymphoma. According to trial data, the combo therapy led to a response in 69 percent of patients, including 39 percent of whom achieved a complete response.
In June, the FDA granted approval to Genmab’s Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp) for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma.
At this year’s Association of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, Pfizer shared long-term Phase III data on Takeda-partnered Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin), an approved CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) from Seagen for HL and other conditions.
The data, a four-year analysis, met both of the trial’s endpoints, demonstrating significant improvement in non-inferior progression-free survival and safety. The results were from a combination study of the ADC with chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed stage 2b/3/4 classical HL.
While the treatment was approved by the FDA back in 2011 for the treatment of HL and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), Takeda’s president of its Global Oncology Business Unit Teresa Bitetti said, “We’re committed to the medicines that we have, and we keep working to generate more data.” She said it helps inform physicians on best practices and can help find improvements in tolerability without undermining efficacy.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways you can take part in World Lymphoma Day 2024 and make a difference:
Share Information: Use your social media platforms to spread awareness. Share facts about lymphoma, common symptoms and resources for patients and families.
Wear the Colors: Lime green is the official color for lymphoma awareness, and purple for HL. By wearing the colors, you can help spark conversations and encourage others to learn more about the disease.
Support a Cause: Many organizations offer ways to support lymphoma research, whether through donations, volunteering or fundraising activities. Every contribution helps improve the lives of those affected by lymphoma.
Attend Virtual Events: Due to the global nature of this awareness day, there are often online events, webinars and panel discussions that you can attend to learn more about lymphoma and hear from experts in the field.
Be a Voice of Hope: If you or a loved one has been touched by lymphoma, sharing your story can inspire and support others. Personal experiences can provide comfort and a sense of community for those going through similar challenges.
While there is still much work to be done in terms of lymphoma research and awareness, progress is being made every day. On World Lymphoma Awareness Day 2024, it’s essential to realize the importance of recognizing symptoms and spreading awareness to help save lives. Support for research, patients and families is critical in the fight against lymphoma. Awareness, education, solidarity and investments into research and development of new treatments are imperative in contributing to the fight against lymphoma.
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