Event Series:
World Lymphoma Awareness Day
World Lymphoma Awareness Day
September 15, 2027
World Lymphoma Awareness Day
World Lymphoma Awareness Day is an annual event organized every year on September 15. It was created to bring awareness about the cancer of the lymphatic system. Further, it educates people about the functionality of lymphatic systems, which consists of lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland and bone marrow.
Lymphoma Awareness Day spreads public interest and awareness to understand Lymphoma and its types. Awareness calls attention to lymphoma symptoms so that early detection can help patients consult specialists to manage it. It is essential to understand the lymphatic systems as it defines our body’s defense mechanism. Once the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised, it’s likely to get affected by various infectious diseases. In addition, other lymphatic disorders can lead to severe ailments.
Lime green is the color for World Lymphoma Awareness Day. Wear a lime green ribbon, pin or wristband to raise awareness for World Lymphoma Awareness Day and lymphoma.
History of World Lymphoma Awareness Day
World Lymphoma Awareness Day was first organized by Lymphoma Coalition. This is a non-profit organization. In 2004, it later gained immense popularity throughout the globe.
Lymphoma Coalition is a network of lymphoma patient groups from 52 countries. It includes supporting doctors, nurses, patient support groups, patients, and their families. This group creates awareness and education about the crucial knowledge of lymphoma symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also provides education about how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a common blood cancer. It occurs because of the malfunctioning (genetic mutation) of white blood cells called lymphocytes. This causes rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells in the lymphatic system. This accumulation of lymphocytes adversely impacts the lymph nodes.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
Lymphomas have very generalized signs and symptoms that can also be symptoms of other diseases. These other diseases include influenza or other viral infections. It’s not necessary that all these symptoms be present to expect lymphoma as the cause. Nevertheless, if a diagnosis is made sooner, there is a higher chance of receiving appropriate treatment. There are many types of lymphoma.
Some of the common symptoms are:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, or groin that are painless.
- Fatigue.
- Night sweats.
- Recurrent fever.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tonsil hypertrophy.
- Bone pain.
- Headache.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Persistent itching for no reason.
- Chest pain, cough, or breathlessness.
Lymphoma is a severe blood cancer with increasing incidence every year due to the lack of awareness about the lymphatic system. There is also limited research data and less involvement of organizations on a global platform.
Emotional Support and Lymphoma on World Lymphoma Awareness Day
It is quite easy to overlook the emotional and psychological destress that lymphoma patients undergo who receive therapy. Nevertheless, treating distress is as important as treating the cancer itself. Distress can interfere with treatment.
Distress can be multifactorial experiences of emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and/or a of spiritual nature. This can interfere not only with the physical symptoms but also its treatment.
A systematic review published in 2023 demonstrated that among the various factors that help in mitigating distress, the prime factors include:
- Adaptive adjustments to cancer.
- Adequate social support.
- Active engagement of healthcare professionals’ support
