What is World Lymphoma Awareness Day?
World Lymphoma Awareness Day is an annual day of recognition for one of the most common types of cancer in the United States, lymphoma. WLAD was established in 2004 by the Lymphoma Coalition — an organization that provides support for lymphoma patients around the world — to help bring awareness of this disease.
When is World Lymphoma Awareness Day?
World Lymphoma Awareness Day is September 15 each year.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is any cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of organs and vessels that moves a clear liquid called lymph around the body. This network is a key part of the body’s immune system. The lymphatic system helps filter out dead cells and other debris from the bloodstream. It also helps protect the body against germs, including bacteria and viruses.
Lymphoma can start in any part of the lymphatic system. Once cells in the lymphatic system, called lymphocytes, become abnormal, the cells often grow quickly and then divide in half to make more cells. Over time, the lymphoma cells in the lymphatic system can travel all over the body. These cells prevent healthy cells near them from working normally and make it difficult for the immune system to work properly. These cells also use nutrients and energy, causing healthy cells to starve.
What types of lymphoma does St. Jude treat?
St. Jude provides treatment for children with all types of lymphoma. The main two types of lymphoma are:
- Hodgkin lymphoma: This cancer starts in the lymph system (part of the immune system) and causes affected lymph nodes to get larger. This cancer may spread to the spleen, liver, bone marrow or lungs.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: This is the group name for all types of lymphomas except Hodgkin lymphoma.
Key facts about lymphoma
Lymphoma can start in any part of the lymphatic system.
There are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or targeted therapy may be used to treat children with lymphoma.
Lymphoma research at St. Jude
At St. Jude, we strive to provide all patients with the best possible treatment. This includes facilitating research collaboration across our disciplines. Building on the progress of our Division of Lymphoma and Leukemia, we continue to make advances that will increase cure rates and improve the quality of life of our patients.
This division focuses on key areas of research including:
- learning about the genetic abnormalities of leukemia and lymphoma cells
- learning how these cancers develop
- optimizing current treatment and developing new treatment options
- and more
Learn more about our lymphoma research
Exploring genetic variants
Researchers at St. Jude conducted the largest study of families impacted by Hodgkin lymphoma and uncovered genetic variations linked to the predisposition of this cancer type.
Developing new treatments
The results from our recent collaborative clinical trial show excellent outcomes for the first targeted frontline therapy for high-risk pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma.
Conducting clinical trials
St. Jude is actively researching lymphoma alongside other cancers. Through clinical trials, we aim to uncover new treatment options and ways to refine current treatment methods.
Why support St. Jude?
Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live.
When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and we won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you help give kids with cancer around the world that chance. Together, we can save more lives.
St. Jude patient Alana with her mom
Help us find cures for lymphoma
Every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. When you support St. Jude, you can help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Together, we can save more lives.
Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us, and be part of our mission to save more lives.
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