Health Information Week 2023
Published on: 3 July 2023Promoting high quality health information
From 3 to 9 July, we are supporting the Health Information Week campaign. Lymphoma Action is committed to producing high quality and trustworthy information for people affected by lymphoma, covering topics from what lymphoma is and how it develops, to different treatments and how to live well with and beyond lymphoma.
Health Information Week is split into daily themes:
Health literacy
Our information is evidence-based, reviewed by experts and checked by lay reviewers to ensure it is clearly written. We are an accredited PIF TICK member, which is the quality check mark for health information, and is a quick way of knowing that our information is trustworthy.
We understand the importance of having access to information that’s as easy as possible to understand. We produce information in different formats to help with this:
Mental health and wellbeing
Having a diagnosis of lymphoma might affect your mental health and wellbeing. We provide support to help you and your loved ones:
- Our Helpline Services are open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.
- Our Online Support Meetings are a safe space where people affected by lymphoma can share their experiences, thoughts and feelings.
- Our Live your Life self-management programme is designed for people who have just finished treatment or who are on active monitoring.
- We also have information about the emotional impact of living with lymphoma and managing stress, as well as health and wellbeing resources.
Women’s health
Treatments for lymphoma have different side effects and affect each person differently. We have information about lymphoma treatment and early menopause, including the symptoms of early menopause and how to cope with it. We also have information about how treatment might affect fertility, including options for preserving your fertility.
Social prescribing
Social prescribing is when health professionals refer you to support in your local community to improve health and wellbeing. We have created webinars with healthcare professionals so you can access trusted information from home.
Children’s health
Lymphoma is the third most common cancer in children, but it is still rare. We have information about lymphoma in children and about practicalities when a child has lymphoma. We also recognise the importance of children being able to understand their lymphoma. Our Tom has lymphoma storybook is written and illustrated especially for parents and carers to read with their children to help them understand what lymphoma is and the treatment it involves.
Cost of living
The cost of living crisis can affect everyone’s lives in many ways, especially if you have a diagnosis of lymphoma. You might feel more pressure to have to go back to work after finishing treatment, or you might worry about the costs of getting to and from your treatment sessions. We have information about working, finances and more about your day-to-day living if you’re affected by lymphoma.
Shared decision making
Shared decision making is the process where the patient and the medical team are both involved in making decisions about medical care. It is important that individuals have access to the support and information to make informed decisions about their care.